Following an impressive 2021, Jenelyn Olsim knows she’s in a much better position now. From a relatively unknown prospect in ONE Warrior Series, Olsim thrust herself under the bright lights when she barged into the ONE Women’s Atomweight World Grand Prix semifinals, even if she did lose to Ritu “The Indian Tigress” Phogat.
Raising the bar like she did, Olsim knows she can’t slip. She’ll have that on her mind when she takes on Julie Mezabarba in a three-round atomweight MMA bout at ONE 158: Tawanchai vs. Larsen at the Singapore Indoor Stadium this Friday, 3 June.
No longer a prospect now that she’s on the radar in an already bustling atomweight division, Olsim wants to prove she indeed belongs in the conversation of future contenders.
“Now that I’ve introduced myself, the goal for me is to prove that I belong here, that I am here to stay for a long time,” Olsim said.
After a string of impressive performances in 2021, Olsim knows that fans’ expectations of her have only intensified.
The 24-year-old admits that she feels some pressure because of this, but she understands that it comes with the territory of getting closer to that World Title shot she’s been dreaming of.
“For me, it makes me work harder. There’s always pressure, but I look at it as positive pressure,” Olsim said.
“I’m being pushed to strive harder and set loftier goals. I know this time that I just don’t have to win, I have to do it in an impressive fashion. Back then I just had to win, now I have to come in and perform.”
To come in and perform is exactly what she promises, and she’s confident that she’ll answer everything Mezabarba throws at her in the Circle.
“Like my coaches always say, work to finish. I want to finish this fight. I just have to follow my game plan and the finish will come,” Olsim said.
“I have to feel it out a bit, see what Julie brings to the table. If I can take her in striking, I’ll do it. If I can knock her out, I’ll do it. If I can’t, then I’ll bring her to the ground.”
Watch ONE 158: Tawanchai vs. Larsen beginning with the lead card on One Sports or One Sports+ at 5:30 p.m. Philippine Standard Time (PHT) on Friday, June 3. The main card will broadcast live on One Sports and One Sports+ at 8:30 p.m. PHT.
The full event stream will also be available on watch.onefc.com and the ONE Super App