Latest Stories – ONE Championship – The Home Of Martial Arts https://www.onefc.com The Home Of Martial Arts Thu, 28 Mar 2024 19:38:15 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 ‘My Hand Will Be Raised’ – Jeremy Pacatiw Thinks His All-Around MMA Skills Will Triumph Over Wang Shuo https://www.onefc.com/news/my-hand-will-be-raised-jeremy-pacatiw-thinks-his-all-around-mma-skills-will-triumph-over-wang-shuo/ Thu, 28 Mar 2024 19:38:07 +0000 https://www.onefc.com/guid/d80278a7d556fbb9a2617eb946869e32ffdfd625

Jeremy “The Juggernaut” Pacatiw wants to make a statement in his return to action at ONE Fight Night 21: Eersel vs. Nicolas on Prime Video.

The Filipino star will meet “Little Whirlwind” Wang Shuo in a bantamweight MMA clash in U.S. primetime on Friday, April 5, and he thinks his Chinese foe will bring out his best at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

Both athletes have a background in the powerful striking art of wushu, and “The Juggernaut” knows he must be on point when they go toe-to-toe.

He said of Wang:

“He’s a striker. I think he has a wushu base, which makes him a dangerous fighter, especially being a Chinese fighter. In his fight against Tatsumitsu Wada, I was impressed with his striking base.

“The only question mark here is how he’ll look like at bantamweight. He moved up from flyweight, and we don’t know whether he got stronger or slower. We’ll see that in the fight.”

Since both men have a penchant for the stand-up game, Pacatiw believes versatility will be the key on April 5.

The 27-year-old has worked hard to become a complete mixed martial artist, competing in both kickboxing and grappling competitions since his last MMA appearance.

With his ever-expanding skill set, “The Juggernaut” expects to finish his 29-year-old foe, but he also will also look to avoid being over-aggressive:

“I’m confident that I can hang with him wherever the fight goes. Being confident doesn’t mean being careless, though, as I have to be really careful. He can get really sneaky with his strikes.

“I want to prove that I’m a well-rounded fighter. I want to mix everything up. If an opportunity comes up to knock him out or submit him, I’ll go for it.

“It’s tough to give a prediction, but all I can say is my hand will be raised after the fight.”

Pacatiw Thrilled With His Move To Lions Nation MMA

A lot has happened since Jeremy Pacatiw’s last ONE victory over Tial Thang back at ONE 164.

The Filipino MMA landscape experienced a massive shift when there was a widespread exodus from Team Lakay to the newly formed Lions Nation MMA squad – and Pacatiw was one of the athletes who moved over.

Despite it being a difficult choice, “The Juggernaut” has no regrets amid his first full fight camp at Lions Nation.

He explained:

“The preparation has been great. I’m excited. I’m working hard every day, making sure that I return to the ring at the top of my game.”

“It was a tough decision to move to Lions Nation MMA. It was a risk. In every instance, we’re free to make our own decisions, but there are always results and consequences with those decisions.

“Looking at it now, I think I made the right decision. We have a World Champion now, we’ve been building good momentum with a couple of wins, and I’m looking forward to keeping that momentum going.”

With Filipino icon Eduard “Landslide” Folayang running the ship and most of the country’s biggest names on the team, Pacatiw feels lucky to be a part of Lions Nation MMA.

Working alongside elite training partners like former ONE Bantamweight MMA World Champion Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon and current #2-ranked bantamweight MMA contender Stephen “The Sniper” Loman, “The Juggernaut” knows he has everything in place to chase his dreams of World Title glory.

He added:

“The atmosphere here is amazing. It’s really a collaborative effort. We watch the fights together, we scout and study, we all give our take on what to do, and help out with the possible game plan for each other.

“But the head of it all is still Eduard. I feel really at ease with Eduard as a coach. He listens to us, to our suggestions. He sees where we’re coming from. He takes care of what we need. He focuses on what needs to be done.

“It’s a big help having [Belingon and Loman] around. Having these two brilliant fighters in the same weight class is a blessing. They push me hard to be a better, more complete fighter.”

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ONE Championship
‘He’s A Great Champion’ – Jonathan Di Bella Praises Prajanchai Ahead Of Monumental World Title Defense https://www.onefc.com/news/hes-a-great-champion-jonathan-di-bella-praises-prajanchai-ahead-of-monumental-world-title-defense/ Thu, 28 Mar 2024 18:56:48 +0000 https://www.onefc.com/guid/5f1b461837aa8ed2659936ea7a3c352521e262cd

Reigning ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Champion Jonathan Di Bella is prepared for an all-out war in enemy territory when he takes on Thai icon Prajanchai PK Saenchai at ONE Friday Fights 58: Superbon vs. Grigorian II in Bangkok.

On April 5 in Asia primetime, the undefeated Italian-Canadian phenom will defend his gold in front of a raucous Thai crowd at the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium.

That showdown will mark Di Bella’s second defense of his strawweight kickboxing crown – and likely the toughest fight of his career.

His opponent, Prajanchai, is the current ONE Strawweight Muay Thai World Champion, boasts well over 300 career victories, and most recently scored a devastating first-round knockout of former strawweight Muay Thai titleholder Joseph Lasiri.

Di Bella told onefc.com that he’s well aware of his upcoming foe’s many accolades:

“I’ve been watching [Prajanchai] for a long time. Obviously, he’s a great champion. He’s one of the best strikers to ever compete at the highest level and has won all over Thailand and Lumpinee and all the other stadiums. I’ve been watching him for a very long time, and I’ve always had my eye on him.”

Even though he’s unbeaten as a professional – including two ONE World Title wins – and widely regarded as one of kickboxing’s top talents, the Montreal native knows that defeating a renowned striker like Prajanchai would elevate his career to even greater heights.

Di Bella said of the high-stakes battle:

“Beating a name like him, it means a lot. It means a lot for me. And it means a lot for all the viewers because if I beat another champion, it’s very important for my name and my recognition.”

The 27-year-old is wise enough to never take any opponent lightly, but he’s putting in extra work to prepare for Prajanchai.

With his father – a former two-time Kickboxing World Champion – in charge of his training camp, the Team Di Bella Kickboxing representative is gearing up for a monumental test:

“I’m just getting ready for the best version of him and one of the best fighters that I’ve ever faced in front of me. I’m getting ready for war.

“I’ve been going through a rough training camp that my dad’s been putting me through. I’m just going through it all, giving my all, and I’ll be 100 percent ready for his fight. So yeah, can’t wait.”

Di Bella Says It’s ‘More Fun’ To Compete In Enemy Territory

Beyond Prajanchai’s deep resume and elite striking skills, he will have the support of the vocal Thai fans on April 5.

But while Jonathan Di Bella will be venturing into enemy territory to face one of Thailand’s most beloved heroes, he says it’s an honor to be competing at the “Madison Square Garden of the East”:

“I’ve been dreaming about fighting in Thailand since I was a kid. I’ve always wanted to fight in Lumpinee. Not many people could even say they fought at Lumpinee or in Thailand in general. So to fight on the biggest events, one of the biggest events of the year, it’s an honor, for sure.”

Of course, this won’t be Di Bella’s first time stepping into the famed Lumpinee ring.

He most recently outclassed former WMC Muay Thai World Champion “Mini T” Danial Williams to successfully defend his ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Title, earning the much-deserved respect of the Bangkok faithful.

Still, some athletes might be nervous about fighting one of Thailand’s best in Thailand. But not Di Bella, who says that putting on an electrifying performance against the hometown star would earn him even more respect.

He added:

“It was a cool crowd I fought in front of last time. I know every time he’ll punch or kick, the crowd’s going to be screaming, and yeah, it’s like I’m in hostile territory. I like it, actually, no pressure.

“I feel like it’s more fun. I like going in their hometown and competing and getting more fans because I like to give an exciting fight, and especially giving an exciting fight with one of their own, with their own countryman.

“I know this is his home, so I know it means a lot to him. It makes me even more excited to win.”

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ONE Championship
Teen Phenom Johan Ghazali To Face Vietnamese Star Nguyen Tran Duy Nhat At ONE 167 https://www.onefc.com/news/teen-phenom-johan-ghazali-to-face-vietnamese-star-nguyen-tran-duy-nhat-at-one-167/ Thu, 28 Mar 2024 07:38:20 +0000 https://www.onefc.com/guid/f9afcd2632f10b8859cc26a294e76812e052b5f7

Malaysian-American sensation Johan “Jojo” Ghazali has been added to the growing card for ONE 167: Stamp vs. Zamboanga on Prime Video.  

On June 7 in U.S. primetime, the surging 17-year-old will face Vietnamese fan favorite “No.1” Nguyen Tran Duy Nhat in a flyweight Muay Thai clash at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.

Ghazali has been an absolute force since his ONE Championship debut in the ONE Friday Fights event series last year.

The Rentap Muaythai Gym representative blitzed his way to four straight victories, including three knockouts, to earn a six-figure contract to compete in U.S. primetime at ONE Fight Night 17 on Prime Video in December. 

“Jojo” made the most of that opportunity when he knocked out Edgar Tabares in just 36 seconds, and now, he’s ready to go after the flyweight division’s big guns in 2024. 

Although he’s been living in Malaysia with his father and American mother, Ghazali has always had strong ties to Thailand’s national sport. Many have called him the next Rodtang Jitmuangnon, but the young striker has promised to leave his own mark.

However, Duy Nhat is a formidable foe. He first burst into ONE Championship with back-to-back KO victories, showcasing his incredible power. 

Now coming off his first promotional defeat against Denis “The Bosnian Menace” Puric last December, “No.1” will be motivated to get back in the win column and prove he belongs among the elite. 

A victory over Ghazali would be a huge result for the 35-year-old veteran, as he could potentially steal some of his burgeoning rival’s momentum. 

This flyweight Muay Thai clash adds to the two recently announced World Championship bouts at the top of the bill in Thailand. 

ONE Women’s Atomweight MMA World Champion Stamp Fairtex will defend her belt against #2-ranked contender Denice Zamboanga, while ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion Tawanchai PK Saenchai will put his gold on the line against dangerous challenger “Smokin” Jo Nattawut in a highly anticipated rematch.

Stay tuned to onefc.com for more news and announcements about ONE 167.

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ONE Championship
‘I’m Going To Risk Everything’ – Marat Grigorian Desperate To Finally Win ONE World Title In Rematch With Superbon https://www.onefc.com/news/im-going-to-risk-everything-marat-grigorian-desperate-to-finally-win-one-world-title-in-rematch-with-superbon/ Wed, 27 Mar 2024 19:56:34 +0000 https://www.onefc.com/guid/eaaa74043470fbafda2b528f1c06584b7a5568f6

Marat Grigorian is willing to do whatever it takes to claim ONE Championship gold.

The Armenian striker will rematch fellow pound-for-pound great Superbon Singha Mawynn for the ONE Interim Featherweight Kickboxing World Title in the main event of ONE Friday Fights 58 on April 5, and his mind is solely focused on claiming the belt.

Grigorian has already achieved more than most could ever dream of throughout his competitive career, but he won’t be satisfied until he sits on the throne in the world’s largest martial arts organization.

The 32-year-old spoke to onefc.com ahead of his Asia primetime battle with Superbon at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand:

“Life is a risk. This year, I’m going to risk everything. I really need and want to win. That’s all there is. The only thing on my mind is to beat him. Finish or not, it doesn’t matter how it will end. I just want to win.

“My goal is to be the World Champion of ONE Championship. That’s the only goal in my mind. So it means everything to me. I will do my best to get there.”

This will be the third meeting between these elite competitors – and their second for ONE gold.

Grigorian knocked out his Thai rival in the first round back in 2018, but Superbon got his revenge with a dominant decision to earn the undisputed ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Title in 2022.

Given their last matchup went all 15 minutes, the Hemmers Gym product feels more prepared for Superbon this time around – though he knows he must be at the top of his game:

“The first fight was really short because it took only 29 seconds. The second fight was five rounds of fighting. I saw everything that he throws. I was just very, very slow that night, and he improved a lot. But I have also improved a lot. So every fight is different. We need to stay sharp because one mistake, and it can end very fast.

“I think he will do the same game plan as the last time, just teeping me away and throwing some knees. I think that’s the only thing that he can do against me. I will work on distance, take my points, and that’s it.”

Grigorian Explains Moving His Training Camp To Thailand

Fans have learned to expect power and aggression from Marat Grigorian whenever he steps inside the ring.

However, he was clearly out of sorts when he challenged Superbon for the ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Title in Singapore in 2022. Grigorian took that loss on the chin, but more importantly, he learned key lessons.

Despite solid preparation back home in the Netherlands, the veteran struggled to reach his usual explosive heights on fight day. As a result, he moved his latest training camp to Pattaya, Thailand, to prevent the same issues from happening again.

Grigorian explained the move ahead of his return to action in nearby Bangkok:

“The last fight with Superbon, I was really well prepared. But on the day itself, I didn’t recover. My body was not working. It’s not an excuse that I lost against him. I don’t like excuses. But one of the reasons was I didn’t recover well. You can see it in my fight. I was really slow. I was throwing everything like slow motion.

“So that’s why now we are here [in Thailand] for longer. To get healthy and recover. It’s helping me to get used to the time. I’m sleeping well and things like that. So I think it will be a different night.”

Knowing the scale of the opportunity in front of him, Grigorian has also geared the fight camp toward success, bringing his full team from Hemmers Gym out to Fairtex Training Center.

He is leaving no stone unturned as he goes for interim gold on April 5 and feels better than ever for his rubber match with Superbon.

He added:

“Everything is going good. I’m here with my team, six or seven people, including my coach, Nick Hemmers, and some of my sparring partners.

“We are just focused on me for now. There are no other people with us who are going to fight, so the focus stays on me. Every day, we are training or working on some different game plan. It’s heavy, and we’re sparring a lot of times.”

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ONE Championship
‘My Only Solution Was To Fight’ – How Kickboxing Phenom Alexis Nicolas Escaped The Wounds Of His Abusive Father https://www.onefc.com/news/my-only-solution-was-to-fight-how-kickboxing-phenom-alexis-nicolas-escaped-the-wounds-of-his-abusive-father/ Wed, 27 Mar 2024 17:33:22 +0000 https://www.onefc.com/guid/64391cf5d04b3b147cf6fdadbb76d02665b2c5e3

Alexis “Barboza” Nicolas is driven to turn the pain from his difficult childhood into great success on a global scale.

On April 5, in the main event of ONE Fight Night 21 on Prime Video, the undefeated Frenchman will challenge dominant two-sport king Regian “The Immortal” Eersel for the ONE Lightweight Kickboxing World Title in what is undeniably the biggest fight of his life.

Set to go down live in U.S. primetime from Bangkok’s Lumpinee Boxing Stadium, that much-anticipated World Title clash will mark the pinnacle of Nicolas’ impressive 23-fight professional career.

But while his shot at gold represents a massive opportunity from a professional standpoint, simply making it out of poverty has been an achievement in and of itself.

The 25-year-old Parisian opened up to onefc.com about the difficulties of growing up in a fatherless household in one of the city’s roughest neighborhoods:

“I was the man of the house. My father was abusive, so we had to run away. What I wanted to prove to my siblings is that you can be a strong guy and be kind at the same time – and not be abusive. I had to be the guy, be the man of the house.”

Raised by a single mother who often struggled to make ends meet, Nicolas had plenty to be angry about as a child. Sometimes, that anger would erupt in violent rages.

At the urging of his peers, he dipped his toes into the world of martial arts – and quickly found his calling:

“At the beginning, I was not a sporty kind of guy. Very reserved and super timid, but I had a lot of rage in me.

“My friends actually told me to have an outlet for my violence and proposed I go to a boxing gym next to my house. I was 14 years old, and that’s how I started.”

Over the next decade, Nicolas would go on to dominate the European kickboxing scene and establish himself as one of the sport’s most talented rising stars.

That earned him a call-up to the world’s largest martial arts organization, and now, a shot at 26 pounds of ONE Championship gold.

It’s a chance to earn international fame and acclaim, which is a far cry from his early roots in combat sports when he simply hoped to escape from a dead-end situation:

“The neighborhood was kind of violent, so my only solution was to fight, basically, in order to get out of my situation, and also to get away from the vices of my neighborhood.”

Nicolas Ready For Eersel: ‘What Gives Me Confidence Is My Story’

Alexis Nicolas still carries the hurt from his abusive father.

And when he squares off with longtime divisional king Regian Eersel at ONE Fight Night 21, he’ll be channeling that pain into his performance.

As “Barboza” explains, it’s his unlikely journey from rags to riches that continues to motivate him today:

“What gives me confidence is my story. It’s what I’ve lived through and also the work that I’ve put into it. It’s my whole history and how I got to where I am today. It’s my work ethic. And I’ve got nothing to lose.

“Everybody is saying it’s too soon to be in the ring with a guy like Eersel, but I’ve been working all my life for fights like this.”

Given his background, it’s no surprise that Nicolas carries a chip on his shoulder. He truly believes that – win or lose on April 5 – he will eventually cement himself as the planet’s top lightweight kickboxer.

The upcoming World Title challenger added:

“Nobody has given me any chance in this. I started from scratch, from nothing. I’m really happy about this opportunity with ONE.

“Even if I don’t win this, signing a contract with ONE, I will have other opportunities to prove that I’m the best. I’m really proud of the fact that I can actually bring something more – coming from nothing – I will bring more back to France, the title and prestige.”

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ONE Championship
Stamp Vs. Xiong, Haggerty Vs. Superlek Headline ONE’s Return To U.S. On September 6 In Denver  https://www.onefc.com/press-releases/stamp-vs-xiong-haggerty-vs-superlek-headline-ones-return-to-u-s-on-september-6-in-denver/ Wed, 27 Mar 2024 16:45:09 +0000 https://www.onefc.com/guid/e7f0df90d9245ab11bde94fdef5af061f3cfa3cb

ONE Championship today announced two World Championship super-fights for ONE 168: Denver, ONE’s return to the United States on Friday, September 6, at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado.

First, ONE Women’s Atomweight MMA World Champion Stamp Fairtex will challenge fellow superstar Xiong Jing Nan of China for the ONE Women’s Strawweight MMA World Title. The first three-sport World Champion in ONE history, Stamp is looking to become a concurrent two-division titleholder and cement her legacy as one of the most decorated athletes in combat sports.

In addition, reigning two-sport ONE World Champion Jonathan Haggerty of the United Kingdom will put his Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title on the line against current ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion Superlek Kiatmoo9 of Thailand in a powerhouse matchup between two of the best pound-for-pound strikers on the planet.

Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Wednesday, April 24, at 10 a.m. Mountain Time (MT) on Ticketmaster.

Fans interested in purchasing exclusive presale tickets beginning Wednesday, April 10, at 10 a.m. MT can register here. Inquiries for exclusive corporate group ticket packages can also be made here or by emailing ticketing@onefc.com. 

Coming off a successful U.S. debut last May with ONE Fight Night 10 at the sold-out 1stBank Center in Colorado, ONE will look to build off that success in the next chapter of its North American expansion.  

Stage Front VIP, the exclusive U.S. VIP experience partner of ONE, will continue to provide fans with unrivaled access through immersive VIP experiences that include premier seating, premium hospitality offerings, athlete meet-and-greets, event collectibles, and more. You can sign up for more information on Stage Front’s VIP packages here.

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ONE Championship
Xiong Vs. Stamp, Haggerty Vs. Superlek World Title Super-Fights Set For ONE 168: Denver On September 6 https://www.onefc.com/news/xiong-vs-stamp-haggerty-vs-superlek-world-title-super-fights-set-for-one-168-denver-on-september-6/ Wed, 27 Mar 2024 16:43:20 +0000 https://www.onefc.com/guid/a151797904a45341c3e031a0bc20831619f66518

Two colossal World Champion vs. World Champion battles will headline the bill when ONE Championship returns to the United States at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, on Friday, September 6.

In the main event of ONE 168: Denver, reigning atomweight MMA queen Stamp Fairtex is stepping up to challenge “The Panda” Xiong Jing Nan for the ONE Women’s Strawweight MMA World Title.

Just ahead of that, Jonathan “The General” Haggerty will put his ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title on the line against current flyweight kickboxing king “The Kicking Machine” Superlek Kiatmoo9.

Xiong has ruled the women’s strawweight MMA ranks since she claimed the inaugural gold back in 2018.

Since then, “The Panda” has successfully defended her throne seven times, making her the promotion’s most dominant women’s athlete in history.

The Chinese slugger has all but cleared out the division, and now, she gets a fresh test in the record-breaking three-sport World Champion.

Stamp started her tenure in the big leagues by winning the ONE Women’s Atomweight Muay Thai and Kickboxing World Titles before switching her focus to mixed martial arts.

In 2021, the Thai superstar won the ONE Women’s Atomweight MMA World Grand Prix silver belt, and in 2023, she wrote her name in the record books by defeating “Hamzzang” Ham Seo Hee for the ONE Women’s Atomweight MMA World Title.

An experienced stand-up specialist, Stamp will have no fear trading with Xiong and could push the defending queen harder than any previous challengers.

This World Title challenge will also mark a quick turnaround for the Fairtex Training Center product, who is first scheduled to defend her ONE Women’s Atomweight MMA World Title against former training partner turned opponent Denice Zamboanga at ONE 167 on June 7.

ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai and Kickboxing World Champion Haggerty will defend his Muay Thai crown against an old foe in Superlek – and he has redemption on his mind.

“The Kicking Machine” defeated Haggerty in 2018 outside of ONE, but “The General” has leveled up massively since that encounter six years ago.

Formerly the ruler of ONE’s flyweight Muay Thai division, the Londoner shocked the globe when he knocked out Thai legend Nong-O Hama to capture the bantamweight belt last year.

Haggerty then added the kickboxing gold to his trophy cabinet when he stopped Fabricio “Wonder Boy” Andrade last November and continued his stunning run with an epic Muay Thai World Title defense against Felipe “Demolition Man” Lobo earlier this year.

For his part, Superlek has been eyeing a shot at Haggerty’s crown for a long time.

The ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion and #1-ranked flyweight Muay Thai contender is one of this generation’s pound-for-pound greats, and he wants to prove it with a belt in another weight class.

Boasting 11 straight victories over legends like Takeru Segawa and Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon, “The Kicking Machine” would make another massive addition to his legacy if he earns a second win over his English rival on September 6.

Tickets for ONE 168: Denver will go on sale to the general public on April 24 at 10 a.m. Mountain Time (MT) on Ticketmaster. Fans interested in purchasing exclusive pre-sale tickets beginning on April 10 at 10 a.m. MT can register here.

Inquiries for exclusive corporate group ticket packages can also be made here or by emailing ticketing@onefc.com.

Stay tuned to onefc.com for more news and announcements about ONE 168: Denver on September 6, with several more massive fights to be confirmed.

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ONE Championship
‘I’m Really Pumped For It’ – Duke Didier Expects Intense Battle With Ben Tynan At ONE Fight Night 21 https://www.onefc.com/mma/im-really-pumped-for-it-duke-didier-expects-intense-battle-with-ben-tynan-at-one-fight-night-21/ Wed, 27 Mar 2024 02:59:08 +0000 https://www.onefc.com/guid/df906111532432f7b362de4f75f621b4638e171e

Australia’s Duke “The Duke of Canberra” Didier thinks his grappler-versus-grappler clash with Ben “Vanilla Thunder” Tynan will deliver plenty of action at ONE Fight Night 21 on Prime Video

A world-class judoka and BJJ black belt, Didier pits his skills against the unbeaten Canadian wrestler in a heavyweight MMA battle at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on Friday, April 5. 

The 34-year-old was thrilled when he got offered Tynan for his return, admitting he’s a fan of the way “Vanilla Thunder” conducts himself both inside and outside of the competition arena. 

Sharing his thoughts on his rival ahead of their contest, Didier said: 

“I reckon if I wasn’t fighting him, I’d like him. I like the cut of his jib. He’s entertaining. I see a lot of myself in the way he holds himself, and that’s a compliment.  

“I definitely think if I can go in and get the job done, I’ll try and have a beer with him afterward.” 

As someone who has made his name both throwing and submitting his opponents, the grappling specialist in Didier can’t wait to test himself against someone with similar skills. 

Most of his previous matchups have come against men who wanted to avoid his potent top game, but this time Didier knows it’ll be a clash of wills against Tynan – a decorated collegiate wrestler who has yet to be stopped. 

He said: 

“He’s a very good wrestler. But I feel like I’m pretty good too. So it’s a cool test. I’ve only fought a couple of grapplers in my career. It will be cool to fight another straight grappler and just try things out. 

“I know he’s going to come in with a certain game plan, and styles make fights, so who knows what’s gonna happen with this one. I think it can be a really, really interesting matchup, and I’m really pumped for it.” 

Duke Didier Confident He Can Win Wrestling Battle With Ben Tynan 

At 5-0, Ben Tynan has yet to taste defeat in his burgeoning MMA career, but Duke Didier thinks that there are gaps in his armor. 

Tynan has finished all five of his opponents to date – including “Mighty Warrior” Kang Ji Won in his ONE debut last November – but “The Duke of Canberra” believes he is operating at a different level than the Canadian’s previous opponents. 

As a decorated judoka who represented Australia in major international tournaments, Didier is confident he can get any opponent to the canvas.  

Looking toward their clash of grappling styles, he said:  

“I see a weakness, like any fighter. Hopefully, my strengths sort out his weaknesses. 

“I truly believe that I can take down anyone in ONE Championship. He’s just another one. He’s going to be a hard guy to take down, but I think I can take him down. I don’t think many people have, so if I can, it’s gonna be an interesting fight. 

“I’m going to leave no stone unturned in my preparations, and therefore I’m going to be able to do everything I possibly can to beat and finish Ben Tynan within the three rounds at Lumpinee Stadium.”

Still feeling the sting from a narrow split-decision loss in his ONE debut, Didier sees his bout with rising star Tynan as a chance to show what he is truly capable of.  

While some are backing “Vanilla Thunder” due to his current run of form, Didier wants to use this chance to hijack his rival’s momentum and go after the heavyweight division’s big guns.  

He said: 

“I don’t think I lost the last one. So winning will leave me on a two-fight win streak. It’ll leave me in good stead because he’s got quite a good record. I think I’ll definitely be coming into this as the underdog. And I think if I can shock a few people, a win puts me right in the mix. 

“There are some absolute monsters in the division. As a former light heavyweight, I feel like I need to start eating some steaks or something because these guys are killers. But I’ll get through Ben Tynan, and then we’ll see who the next monster is they put in front of me.” 

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ONE Championship
‘My Life Has Changed’ – Seksan Reflects On Incredible Run Ahead Of Return At ONE Friday Fights 58 https://www.onefc.com/news/my-life-has-changed-seksan-reflects-on-incredible-run-ahead-of-return-at-one-friday-fights-58/ Tue, 26 Mar 2024 22:07:47 +0000 https://www.onefc.com/guid/928fc464df2e8bd922dff8f66dd975a5f47a25a5

Seksan “The Man Who Yields To No One” Or Kwanmuang was on the verge of retiring from Muay Thai, but his last roll of the dice with ONE Championship scuttled that plan.

The Thai legend posted a perfect 8-0 slate in the world’s largest martial arts organization throughout 2023, and he’s getting ready to kick off his 2024 campaign in a 142-pound catchweight clash against Japanese newcomer Yutaro Asahi at ONE Friday Fights 58: Superbon vs. Grigorian II on April 5.

Although Seksan was already a cult hero in Muay Thai circles, his reputation exploded globally with the number of new fans who were exposed to his unique style.

Plus, he managed to secure his family’s future when he bagged a six-figure ONE Championship contract for his valiant efforts.

Ahead of his next encounter at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, the 35-year-old spoke to onefc.com about his remarkable turnaround:

“Last year was the best year since I started this career. It was the most successful year for me. My life has changed a lot. The quality of life with my family has greatly improved.

“The trick is taking care of yourself, training hard, and having a supportive family, which includes my sons, wife, and parents.”

There was barely any room to breathe during Seksan’s eight battles in 2023, with several Fight of the Year contenders among them.

From his debut brawl with Tyson Harrison in January to his three-round war with River Daz in December, “The Man Who Yields To No One” put everything on the line to thrill the home crowds again and again.

But despite being happy with his flawless ONE record, Seksan is not worried about preserving it. Instead, he’s simply eager to keep delivering fireworks:

“For now, I don’t think I have any room to improve. Because having a chance to fight in ONE is considered my greatest achievement. Going from the guy who was thinking about retirement to the star, my life was turned upside down. I just feel satisfied with the way it is.

“I will only feel pressure when I find that my performances are not entertaining enough. My goal is to do my best in the ring and provide the most entertainment for Thai fans and fans around the world.”

Seksan Aiming For Early Knockout Of Yutaro Asahi

Seksan Or Kwanmuang thinks his next battle against Yutaro Asahi has all the makings of another intense affair.

The four-time Muay Thai World Champion rates his upcoming rival highly and knows the Japanese sensation will be motivated to prove himself in his ONE debut.

“The Man Who Yields To No One” said of Asahi:

“I watched his fight videos, and I think he has great combinations and slick movement. I can’t underestimate him because I know every fighter that ONE sends to me are all elite level. This fight will be another tough job for me.

“He has powerful combinations, especially his body shots. And another thing I noticed are his knees. I think he plans to wage war on me. He wants to go toe-to-toe with me. He won’t give in easily.”

Despite his praise, the 275-fight veteran expects to be a step ahead of Asahi, who has largely competed under kickboxing rules on the elite Japanese circuit.

There will be a wider range of strikes available in this Muay Thai showdown, and Seksan plans to use his vaunted punches, kicks, knees, elbows, and clinch game to get the job done early on April 5.

He added:

“He still lacks some Muay Thai skills. He’s not good in close combat. I believe I will have a huge advantage in this area because I can use every Muay Thai weapon – I can use elbows and thrust knees on him.

“If I can knock him out, I will do it immediately. You can’t underestimate Japanese boxers. They’re heavy hitters with dangerous combinations. I know that I’m slower than him. But I will try to use my elbows a lot. I’ll try to knock him out quickly.”

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ONE Championship
‘I Trust Them With My Life’ – Regian Eersel Talks Unbreakable Bond With His Longtime Coaches https://www.onefc.com/features/i-trust-them-with-my-life-regian-eersel-talks-unbreakable-bond-with-his-coaches/ Tue, 26 Mar 2024 20:59:50 +0000 https://www.onefc.com/guid/8edf4778702de830bc854acad6d76c23ad777402

Although they’re not bound by blood, Regian “The Immortal” Eersel has family in Paul and Vincent Pengel.

The Sityodtong Amsterdam coaches have played a crucial part in Eersel’s journey from boy to man, and they’re still by his side as he prepares for his latest ONE Lightweight Kickboxing World Title defense at ONE Fight Night 21 on Prime Video on Friday, April 5.

By the time “The Immortal” steps into the ring to face Alexis “Barboza” Nicolas at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, he will have been under the tutelage of the Pengel brothers for more than half of his life.

Eersel stepped through their gym doors at 15 years old with nothing but enthusiasm, and now at 31, he is a two-sport ONE World Champion who has looked unstoppable in the world’s largest martial arts organization.

Sharing his thoughts on the two men who have shaped his career more than anyone else, the Surinamese star said:

“They are like my second family. They’re like fathers to me. I have three fathers now. We have a good connection. We talk about almost everything and they have their heart in a good place. I trust them with my life. That’s the kind of relationship we have.”

Trust is crucial in a sport that requires you to put your body on the line in every outing, and for Eersel, that’s something that took a long time to build.

However, it has led to a bond between them that cannot be broken, and the trio know each other so well that they integrate seamlessly both in the gym and in the ring.

“The Immortal” credits this for much of his success, and he couldn’t ever think of doing it with anybody else in his corner.

He explained:

“I think for me it [took] long to build that trust, I think maybe eight or nine years. But I’m the type of guy who doesn’t trust people very quickly. It takes a lot of time, energy, and effort from both sides until I can say, ‘OK, I’m really trusting you now.’

“It’s very important to know you can trust them so in a fight you don’t have hesitation. Because if you don’t have that trust yet, then you’re not 100 percent. And one mistake is enough. So you trust them and just do [what they say].”

Regian Eersel’s Relationship With His Coaches Extends Beyond Combat

Regian Eersel was just an energetic kid who needed a positive outlet when he found Sityodtong Amsterdam, but now he’s an accomplished World Champion, as well as a father, husband, and role model to many.

Although that transition has been a gradual one, Paul and Vincent Pengel have been present for their young charge every step of the way, helping to mold him both as an athlete and as a man.

Eersel offered:

“As well as fighting, they also guide me in private situations. Sometimes when I have a problem, I just ask my trainers how I can solve it or how they can help me.”

For “The Immortal,” some of the best advice his coaches have given him is about the fleeting nature of life as a fighter and how he should be prepared for his time after competition.

This shows they care for more than just Eersel’s prowess in the ring. They want the best for Eersel and his young family for the long term – not just while he is their star athlete at the Amsterdam gym.

Sharing the brothers’ most important counsel, the 31-year-old kickboxing king said:

“They give me advice like, ‘Hey, listen, kickboxing is not everything, it’s gonna stop one day, and then you have to get money on your own.’

“And they always say to me, ‘Listen, you have to have a job besides kickboxing because you don’t know when it will end. You have only one body and a lot of things can happen so you must have a Plan B, Plan C, and Plan D.’”

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ONE Championship