Meet Singapore’s “Mighty” May Ooi: The 37-Year-Old MMA Marvel
When most athletes eye retirement in their 40s, May Ooi is rewriting the rulebook. Born a swimmer, trained as a doctor, and now a high‑octane MMA fighter, she’s smashing the “age‑whistle” myth from the inside out.
She Started Fighting… at 37!
- First jab: ONE Championship debut on 2017‑01‑12, beating veteran Malaysian fighter Ann Osman with a slick come‑from‑behind submission.
- Second smack‑down: A win over Vy Srey Khouch at ONE: IMMORTAL PURSUIT – all back home, hands in the air.
- Result? Unbeaten in the cage, every victory ending in a stoppage.
Dreams of a World Title
After her triumphs, May shared a wish that feels almost Christmas‑gift‑ish: “I’d love a title fight early next year.” Her confidence? Blue‑bonnet that she’s riding high for Singapore.
Back to the Asian Games?
In early 2018, she traded her gloves for her Singaporeid colors and entered the Asian Games, where jiu‑jitsu made its debut. She’s “naturally motivated, always evolving, wanting to better herself,” a mantra she reminds us she’s living:
- “Some go back to school, some pick up hobbies. I’m here to lift the game.”
Unfortunately, she failed to progress past the round of 16, losing to an UAE opponent. But even that exit can’t dim the fact that at 42, she represented Singapore in multiple sports.
What’s Next?
May’s gaze is now set on the blockbuster clash at ONE: HEART OF THE LION—the showdown between “Unstoppable” Angela Lee (Women’s Atomweight champion) and “The Panda” Xiong Jing Nan (Women’s Strawweight champion). The event drops on November 9 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
So, while she waits backstage, the world watches this 37‑year‑old‑turned‑MMA‑star who’s proving that age is just a number—especially when your spirit for competition is matched with a relentless desire to grow.
