Keanu Subba has returned home ahead of his latest outing at ONE Championship.

The 6-3 featherweight contender spent his time training at Bali MMA in Indonesia ahead of his recent bouts, but for his upcoming match-up against Phoe Thaw at ONE: PURSUIT OF GREATNESS on 26 October, Subba has gone back to his home gym at Monarchy MMA in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

“The level in Malaysia now is not like how it used to be,” he explains.

“We have good athletes coming in and training, and it’s definitely higher than it used to be. I feel really comfortable doing my camps here.”

The rise in popularity of mixed martial arts has seen the level of ability increase at the nation’s big gyms, and the presence of homegrown stars like Subba and his brother – flyweight contender Gianni – will serve to inspire others to achieve their best.

The rise in the ability of the athletes means more training partners for the top stars like Subba, who drills techniques alongside fellow ONE star Agilan Thani.

“Fighters’ practice is every morning, and then we’ll do jiu-jitsu with coach Bruno Barbosa on an evening, or drills with my brother, who’s been helping me with my camp at home,” the Malaysian featherweight says.

“We have a lot of good training partners. Agilan Thani is there every day, [as well as] our coaches – we have a good Iranian wrestler – and good-level guys who I’m grateful to be training with.”

Subba says the other benefit to training at home is the fact that he is close to family, friends and all the creature comforts he has become familiar with over the years.

“I can visit my family more often, and I live here with my girlfriend, who helps me a lot,” he says.

“She’s very understanding of what I do, and helpful. She helps me with my diet and makes camp much easier, and it’s good that I’m not away so we can see each other every day.”

Subba’s girlfriend is one important part of a support system that helps him to train at his best so he is in prime condition for when he steps into the cage.

“I have sponsors here to get me through the hard training, especially my physiotherapists and chiropractors who fix me every week,” he adds.

“It’s great. We have a good team spirit, and my teammates here are always willing to give extra help. It’s a good place to be.”

With access to everything he needs, including those closest to his heart, Subba heads into his bout with Phoe Thaw in superb condition and ready to put on his best performance in Yangon.