Jenelyn Olsim Ready To Show Off Improved Ground Game At ONE 158

Team Lakay atomweight Jenelyn Olsim is out to prove that she can hang with the best in her division as she gets ready to face Julie Mezabarba on the lead card of ONE 158.

ONE Championship fans had not seen Olsim since her loss to Ritu Phogat in the semifinals of the ONE Women’s Atomweight World Grand Prix in October 2021.

Despite Olsim carrying a well-polished striking game, her inability to counter Phogat’s takedowns and land some of her own led to her losing the fight via unanimous decision.

International Business Times sports editor and combat sports analyst Nissi Icasiano was able to catch up with Olsim during her media availability, asking her what she has been working on since she last stepped in the ring.

“I think the most significant that I’ve learned from coach Ali [Heydarabadi] was about my wrestling defense. In my previous fight, I was always taken down easily and I didn’t attempt takedowns very much. I also learned a lot about strong and aggressive takedowns,” Olsim revealed.

Iranian wrestling coach Ali Heydarabadi has been with Team Lakay since around 2013 and has worked with its entire stable of fighters to develop a respectable ground game.

On the subject of aggression and showcasing her improved skillset, Icasiano also took the opportunity to ask Olsim whether fans will see her attempt more takedowns against Mezabarba.

“I’m more confident in my abilities to attempt takedowns now, but we’ll still be following the game plan that we prepared. Although if there comes a point where I have an opportunity to shoot for it, I’ll go for it,” she mentioned.

Going into her fight with Mezabarba, Olsim will have her chances to take the Brazilian down as she is also a striker herself and the Filipina will understandably mix up her Muay Thai-heavy arsenal with some takedowns.

Originally, ONE strawweight champion Joshua Pacio was going to headline the event against rival Jarred Brooks, but that fight was scrapped due to what the promotion called a "scheduling conflict."

Despite the cancellation and Brooks’ endless trash talk, Olsim told Icasiano that her Team Lakay comrade was doing fine and that his focus has not changed at all.

“Joshua’s doing fine, he’s always calm and level-headed about these things. He’s been champion for a long time so it’s really nothing new for him. Right now, he’s continuously training and he’s really zeroing in,” she shared.

Icasiano also asked Olsim about her thoughts on entering the rumored second edition of the ONE Women’s Atomweight World Grand Prix, and the young Filipina is all for it.

“Actually, this is the first time I’ve heard rumors of it starting up again. That’s going to be another inspiration for me to go and get a win in this coming fight. Winning this fight, it’s really been ingrained in my mindset,” Olsim remarked.

ONE 158 will take place at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on Friday, June 3 at 5:30 PM SGT (5:30 AM ET).