Jun 17, 2021

3 Opponents We’d Love To See Alain Ngalani Fight

MMA heavyweight stars “Reug Reug” Oumar Kane and Alain Ngalani fight at ONE: UNBREAKABLE II

Alain “The Panther” Ngalani is consistently exciting — whether it’s his performances inside the Circle or his incredible feats of athleticism outside of it.

While fans can always check out his social media feeds to be entertained, what they really want is to see the Hong Kong-based superstar back in action on the global stage.

With that in mind, here are three potential matchups for Ngalani that could deliver fireworks in The Home Of Martial Arts.

#1 Brandon Vera

Scenes from the ONE Heavyweight World Title fight between Arjan Bhullar and Brandon Vera at ONE: DANGAL on 15 May

For years, “The Panther” longed to challenge then-heavyweight king Brandon “The Truth” Vera, but that opportunity evaded him.

Now could be the perfect time for a showdown. Vera is hoping to get back on track and earn a rematch with newly crowned ONE Heavyweight World Champion Arjan “Singh” Bhullar, and Ngalani is similarly hungry to take a big scalp.

Both men are striking specialists who came unstuck against wrestlers in their last outings. Without the same apprehension about being taken down, Ngalani and Vera could open up and unload their world-class stand-up skills.

They are concussive finishers, and their distinct striking styles should make for an intriguing clash.

#2 Islam Abasov

Russian MMA fighter Islam Abasov

Fresh heavyweight signing Islam Abasov has yet to make his ONE debut. He is eager to announce himself to the global fan base — and what better way to do so than facing one of the most popular athletes on the roster.

The Russian entered the promotion with a perfect 6-0 slate in his professional career, with all six of those wins coming by first-round knockout.

“The Panther” is also a fast starter with a reputation for early finishes. In his four ONE Championship wins, three have come by KO in the opening frame.

That means fans can expect an early finish and exciting action from the opening bell.

Plus, there would be added incentive for each fighter. By taking out a rising star, Ngalani would show that he belongs in the division’s upper echelon, while a win over the seasoned “Panther” would be a big statement in Abasov’s debut.

#3 Patrick Schmid

Oumar Kane Patrick Schmid ONE on TNT I 7.jpg

Patrick “Big Swiss” Schmid bravely stepped up to face “Reug Reug” Oumar Kane in his first ONE appearance, making his professional mixed martial arts debut in the process.

However, the Swiss star was originally scheduled to compete against Rade Opacic in a ONE Super Series kickboxing bout, and the striking world is his true home.

For his part, Ngalani enjoyed a long and successful career in Muay Thai and kickboxing before he ever strapped on the 4-ounce gloves to compete in mixed martial arts, and he’s already competed twice in ONE Super Series.

After both Schmid and Ngalani faced “Reug Reug” in their last outing, the pair could don the bigger gloves and face off in a kickboxing contest.

Ngalani could go back to his roots, where “Big Swiss” would present a huge test — and the result would be a colossal throwdown between skilled, experienced heavyweight strikers.