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Jake Michaels
Multiple Authors
It was only natural for Australia’s Isaiah Badato to forge a path in combat sports. The 21-year-old son of Reinhardt ‘Bad Ass’ Badato — a world-renowned champion in Muay Thai who boasts a 52-fight career and a slew of championship titles — grew up in gymnasiums and was eased into the fight scene from just about the moment he could walk.
But while his exposure to the sport was never lacking, the belief that he belonged as a fighter did for much of his youth.
“To be honest, I didn’t really like it,” Badato tells ESPN. “I was a really shy, chubby little kid and I had to be at the gym training every day. All of the other kids were better than me, even though I was supposed to be good because it was my dad’s gym. I just remember always crying and feeling like I didn’t want to be there.”
Not one to throw in the towel, Badato persisted with Muay Thai throughout his childhood. He took every opportunity to train alongside his father and uncles, first getting lean, then stacking muscle, and finally building the confidence that had been lacking for so long. By age 15, Badato recognised he possessed all of the tools to succeed.
“Things began changing during the identity crises in high school a lot of kids go through,” he says. “You know, the boys would kind of pick on me and it got to the points when I thought ‘stuff that’, and that’s when it all kicked in and I realised I could fight. ‘You better watch your mouth, guys!’
“When I realised I’m actually good at this, it was kind of fun, which grew my appreciation and enjoyment for it. That’s when I knew I wanted this.”
Badato will realise his combat dream on Friday, April 3 when he makes his One Championship promotional debut at the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok. The three-time Australian champion will square off against Japan’s Retsu Sashida in a flyweight kickboxing match at ONE Friday Fights 149.
The opportunity to fight on a One card is something Badato doesn’t take for granted. From training camp, to the build up, and fight day itself, it’s an experience he’s long played through his mind.
“I’m so excited, but still confident. I’m keen to get out there and show that I belong in the big leagues,” Badato tells ESPN. “Fighting on One just means that I’m now verified. I’ve been able to turn my belief into reality and follow what I love. It’s led me to big opportunities.
“My favourite part [that I’m looking forward to most] has to be the walk out. I love that feeling when all of the anticipation is there and it’s like ‘this is my time now’. When I get to walk out in front of the whole crowd, that’s when it will feel like the real deal. The crowd going nuts. The crowd roaring. After that, you’re just in the middle of the action.”
Most fighters in Badato’s position would be busy brushing up on their smack-talk lines as they hone in on the biggest bout of their career, but throwing shade at an opponent isn’t something that’s in Badato’s playbook. After all, it’s just not the kind of guy he is.
“I’m a lover, you know. I wish him all the best. He wouldn’t be on this stage if he was just some Tuk-Tuk driver,” he says. “I just love fighting. Even the small venues, every win just feels like the biggest win ever.
“I want to get that belt. I want everyone to know my name. You see all the people at the top of the sport, they’re living happy lives and doing exactly what they love. That’s the dream.”