3 Fights That Could Steal The Show At ONE On Prime Video 5: De Ridder Vs. Malykhin
ONE on Prime Video 5: De Ridder vs. Malykhin comes packed with a trio of massive World Title contests, but the supporting card won’t lack fireworks.
With everything from highly anticipated debutants to iconic ONE veterans, the U.S. primetime event will be full throttle from start to finish at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines.
As we look ahead to fight night, here are three bouts that could steal the show when the action gets underway this Friday, December 2.
Roberto Soldic Vs. Murad Ramazanov – Welterweight MMA
Roberto Soldic’s ONE debut has been the talk of the combat sports world, and the Croatian sensation is eager to live up to those expectations when he squares off against undefeated Russian Murad Ramazanov.
Soldic, a former two-division KSW Champion, was the hottest free agent in MMA when he inked a deal to compete in the Circle, but he’s not getting any warmup fights in the world’s largest martial arts organization.
Instead, he’ll pit his seven-bout winning streak – with six knockouts – against Ramazanov’s unbeaten 11-0 slate, which includes a trio of dominant victories in ONE.
“Robocop” is known for his phenomenal striking and power, finishing 17 of his 20 wins by KO, but Ramazanov is as tough as they come, with world-class wrestling in his arsenal.
Both men are adamant that they have the skills to hang in every department, and with a potential ONE Welterweight World Title shot at stake, Soldic and Ramazanov will bring the heat in their crucial main card clash.
Eduard Folayang Vs. Edson Marques – Lightweight MMA
After getting back to winning ways in a Muay Thai bout against legendary striker John Wayne Parr in March, Eduard Folayang wants to use that momentum to get back on track in his mixed martial arts career.
The former ONE Lightweight World Champion’s back is against the wall after going winless in MMA since 2019, but his success against Parr has made him more confident than ever in his striking.
Meanwhile, Brazil’s Edson Marques rebounded from his own skid last time out with a win over Kim Kyung Lock, showcasing his stand-up skills en route to the unanimous decision nod.
Marques has slick hands and some ferocious knees that will go up against Folayang’s thudding kicks and spinning attacks to make for an appetizing striking contest.
It’s unlikely either man will be in a rush to take matters to the ground, so they’ll feel safe enough to unleash their vast array of weapons on the feet.
Amber Kitchen Vs. Jackie Buntan – Strawweight Muay Thai
Old foes Jackie Buntan and Amber Kitchen will run back their 2017 clash on the biggest martial arts platform of all.
England’s Kitchen won the first encounter by split decision on Buntan’s home turf in California, USA, but since then, the American has delivered some spectacular performances to emerge as a star in the women’s strawweight Muay Thai division.
In fact, Buntan won three straight fights to earn a shot at the inaugural ONE Women’s Strawweight Muay Thai World Title, but she came up short against Swedish phenom Smilla Sundell.
The Boxing Works product wants to prove she’s worthy of another shot at the gold, and a victory over Kitchen would be a great place to start.
With fast hands and slick footwork, Buntan can try to assert herself with rapid boxing flurries. Kitchen will try to overcome this with powerful kicks and potentially follow Sundell’s lead by staying in the American’s face.
These tactics – combined with the high stakes for each athlete – will surely produce an intense striking battle in the 4-ounce gloves.
