3 Bouts That Could Steal The Show At ONE: DREAMS OF GOLD

A look down the lineup for ONE: DREAMS OF GOLD next Friday, 16 August reveals an undercard that is absolutely stacked with world-class martial artists who could deliver incredible entertainment.

Much of the focus is on the ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Title main event, the ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Grand Prix semifinals, and Stamp Fairtex‘s return to mixed martial arts, but the supporting cast must not be overlooked.

A collection of World Champions, elite contenders, and rising stars will go to battle in Bangkok, Thailand, and almost all of them have a history of putting on a show for martial arts fans.

These are three of the contests set for the Impact Arena that you cannot miss.

#1 Savvas Michael Vs. Lerdsila Phuket Top Team

Muay Thai match-ups do not get better than this ONE Super Series flyweight bout that will kick off the main card.

In one corner, a Thai hero and icon of “the art of eight limbs” will return to the Circle as Lerdsila Phuket Top Team competes in front of his compatriots.

The 38-year-old from Phuket is not just an eight-time World Champion in his country’s national sport, he is one of the most electrifying men to ever pull on the gloves – whether he is using his unbelievable agility to slip and slide out of danger, or his explosive speed and power to attack.

His opponent is sure to test his skills to the limit – judging by his demolition of another icon in his ONE debut in May.

Against Singtongnoi Por Telakun, WBC Muay Thai World Champion Savvas “Baby Face Killer” Michael showed how dangerous he can be with his all-out aggression and ability to absorb whatever his opponent throws his way.

This one should be a brilliant clash of styles that could give the judges a lot to think about if neither man manages to end it early.

#2 Kotetsu Boku Vs. Thanh Le

If Kotetsu “No Face” Boku gets the opportunity to stand and bang, there are few more thrilling athletes in martial arts.

The Japanese veteran loves nothing more than to exchange power strikes in the center of the Circle, and his iron jaw means he is usually the last man standing in a toe-to-toe battle.

The former ONE Lightweight World Champion should have a rival who is willing to play his game in Bangkok in the form of Thanh Le.

The Vietnamese American has won every one of his professional wins by finish – and all but one has ended via spectacular knockout.

Either Boku’s chin or Le’s stoppage streak has got to give in this battle of featherweight strikers, but it will be a big surprise if someone does not go down before the final bell.

#3 Muangthai PK.Saenchaimuaythaigym Vs. Kenta Yamada

The noise in the Impact Arena is likely to go up to 11 when “Elbow Zombie” Muangthai PK.Saenchaimuaythaigym enters the Circle to hunt for a knockout.

The man from Buriram has one of the most fan-friendly styles in any martial arts discipline. As his nickname suggests, his mission is to walk through heavy fire to score a knockout with his ultra-dangerous elbow strikes.

Of course, the 25-year-old would not have become a three-time Muay Thai World Champion without a full complement of striking skills, but you can expect his countrymen to go crazy when he marches forward with his trademark weapons.

However, they should not assume Muangthai will walk over WBC Muay Thai Japan Champion Kenta Yamada.

The experienced 32-year-old from Tokyo put on a great performance to win his last ONE Super Series contest, and he has promised that he will go all-out for the knockout in this bantamweight encounter.