American-born Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighter Aaron Ern-Wuei Phillips, who is proud of his Malaysian roots, loves to fly two flags when he gets in the cage.
On the eve of his bantamweight fight against Welshman Jack Shore at UFC Fight Night 172 in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi today, Phillips took some time to reflect on his Malaysian heritage.
"On my UFC kit, I chose to represent the USA and Malaysia. I found out they (UFC) hadn't had a Malaysian crest made or flag approved yet.
"I'm supposing I'm the first fighter to choose to represent Malaysia in the UFC," said the 30-year-old.
"Though Malaysia was not where my martial arts journey began or where I was born, I do very much appreciate the culture and my family there.
"My mom came over from Penang to the US for university and met my father. She was a school teacher, so every summer we would go back to Malaysia.
"I remember riding the rickshaw with my cousins. I remember walking on the stones for your feet in the parks and playing badminton, we did that a lot at our old house.
"I went every year (to Malaysia) from the ages of four to 11. As I started to get more involved in competitions, I could go only every three years.
"Then as I got older, every time I went to Thailand to train, I would visit my family in Malaysia.
"As a family, we ate every single meal together in Penang, you know how that is. My absolute favourite is dimsum for breakfast."
Phillips, whose fight record stands at 12 wins and three losses, is confident of ending Shore's undefeated record despite being the underdog.
"We match up well, but I think I edge him out on the feet a little bit. I know he's undefeated and he's very strong, but I don't think he's really been tested or has had a lot of pressure put on him.
"So we'll get him in that area and see how he responds to getting hit."
Shore's 12 wins have come via seven submissions, four knockouts and one win via judges' decision.