3 Fights That Could Steal The Show At ONE Fight Night 23: Ok Vs. Rasulov
When ONE Championship touches down at Bangkok’s Lumpinee Boxing Stadium for a U.S. primetime event on July 5, it will bring a fight card filled to the brim with high-stakes matchups designed to produce action.
Topped by an intriguing ONE Interim Lightweight MMA World Title contest, ONE Fight Night 23: Ok vs. Rasulov on Prime Video features striking, grappling, and mixed martial arts showdowns, giving fans plenty of reasons to tune in.
Beyond the headlining bout, these are three can’t-miss fights that could steal the show.
#1 Nico Carrillo Vs. Saemapetch
In bantamweight Muay Thai action, #1-ranked contender Nico “King of the North” Carrillo will square off with #4-ranked Saemapetch Fairtex. This battle has fireworks written all over it – and it could determine the next ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title challenger.
Scotland’s Carrillo has looked nothing short of spectacular through his ONE tenure, reeling off three straight knockouts to skyrocket up the rankings.
In his most recent outing, the 25-year-old brawler took out former long-reigning titleholder Nong-O Hama to establish himself as a genuine threat in one of the organization’s most talent-stacked divisions.
However, he’s in for a serious challenge against Thai fan favorite Saemapetch.
Known for his explosive punching power and fearless approach to combat, the Fairtex Training Center athlete is undoubtedly motivated to end Carrillo’s streak in front of a raucous Bangkok crowd.
Saemapetch is also an experienced veteran who previously challenged for the World Title and is hungry to earn another shot.
#2 Luke Lessei Vs. Bampara Kouyate
Lower on the card, American sensation Luke “The Chef” Lessei will take on France’s Bampara Kouyate in a featherweight Muay Thai tilt.
The Iowa native is one of the sport’s most creative and well-rounded strikers – a master technician with big power in all of his weapons.
After just two thrilling appearances in the world’s largest martial arts organization, Lessei has gained legions of fans thanks to his entertaining style while claiming the division’s #5 contender spot.
Kouyate, though, might have the physical tools to derail Lessei’s hype train.
The 29-year-old is a former lightweight who recently claimed the WMC Muay Thai World Title, and with his long and lanky frame, he should push “The Chef” to his limit.
#3 Kang Ji Won Vs. Kirill Grishenko
Heavyweight titans “Mighty Warrior” Kang Ji Won and Kirill Grishenko will collide in an MMA bout that’s unlikely to need the judges.
In one corner, Kang is a devastating knockout artist who boasts a 100 percent finishing rate. The South Korean brawler knows that finishing the ultra-skilled Grishenko would show he’s a World Title threat in the division.
For his part, the Belarusian is a world-class wrestler with a surprisingly deep gas tank, legitimate submission skills, and scary power on the feet.
Given each man’s massive size and propensity for inflicting damage, fans can look forward to white-knuckle action for as long as this fight lasts.
