3 Battles That Could Steal The Show At ONE Fight Night 26: Lee Vs. Rasulov
ONE Fight Night 26: Lee vs. Rasulov on Prime Video will feature a pair of massive World Title bouts that are capturing the attention of fans worldwide, but the supporting lineup is jam-packed with intriguing contests designed to produce fireworks.
Set to air live in U.S. primetime this Friday, December 6, the can’t-miss card will go down at Bangkok’s iconic Lumpinee Stadium.
With world-class Muay Thai, kickboxing, MMA, and submission grappling contests populating the bill, viewers can look forward to plenty of white-knuckle action from start to finish.
Before the fights get underway in just two days, we look at three matchups that could steal the show at ONE Fight Night 26.
#1 Denis Puric Vs. Elias Mahmoudi
In flyweight Muay Thai action, #3-ranked contender Denis “The Bosnian Menace” Puric and #5-ranked Elias “The Sniper” Mahmoudi will throw down in a pivotal clash between two of the division’s most dynamic and explosive strikers.
At 39 years old, Puric has shown no signs of slowing down.
A heavy-handed brawler who rarely takes a step backward, he’s 2-1 across his last three bouts, most recently dropping an entertaining decision against Thai megastar Rodtang Jitmuangnon after three torrid rounds of battle.
Puric’s fearless, forward-marching approach will make for an interesting stylistic clash against a long-range knockout artist like Mahmoudi.
The Algerian sensation is a creative striker with shocking power in both his hands and legs. He’ll come into the contest following a spectacular spinning backfist knockout of Taiki Naito in August at ONE Fight Night 24.
Given each man’s natural aggression and flare for the dramatics, fans can expect a barnburner when “The Bosnian Menace” and “The Sniper” share the ring.
#2 Jonathan Di Bella Vs. Rui Botelho
Former ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Champion Jonathan Di Bella is determined to reclaim the divisional gold, but he’ll first have to get past all-action scrapper Rui Botelho in the pair’s strawweight kickboxing showdown.
Despite his clean-cut looks and slick fashion sense, Di Bella has proven to be one of the organization’s grittiest competitors.
The southpaw dynamo possesses blazing-fast hand speed, expert counter-striking, and a never-say-die attitude that carried him to unforgettable World Title victories over Zhang Peimian and “Mini T” Danial Williams.
Botelho, though, has all the skills to take out the former titleholder – and looks to be in the finest shape of his career.
A former European Kickboxing Champion, the 29-year-old Portuguese striker struggled against top-tier opponents early in his ONE tenure but has now found his stride, winning back-to-back wars against Zhang and Thai fan favorite Thongpoon PK Saenchai.
Look for Botelho to employ a relentless, high-volume attack to test Di Bella’s granite chin in this high-stakes matchup.
#3 Cole Abate Vs. Shinya Aoki
Teenage BJJ phenom Cole Abate will make his hotly anticipated ONE debut against former lightweight MMA kingpin Shinya “Tobikan Judan” Aoki in a submission grappling clash that promises action.
Still just 19 years old, Abate is among the planet’s top submission grapplers. He is equally dangerous from both the top and bottom positions and – most importantly – is a proven submission hunter of the highest degree.
While the grappling world is buzzing about the Art of Jiu-Jitsu representative’s debut on the global stage, he’s in for a serious test against Aoki.
An icon of the Japanese martial arts scene, “Tobikan Judan” is one of the most creative submission artists to ever compete in MMA and is certainly no stranger to elite submission grappling, as well.
The 41-year-old will aim to use his veteran savvy and crafty submission game against Abate, while the promotional newcomer knows he could make waves with an entertaining showing at ONE Fight Night 26.
