3 Reasons ONE: KINGDOM OF HEROES Is Absolutely Not To Be Missed

ONE Championship’s biggest martial arts spectacle in history is almost upon us, and there is no doubt that the superstar-laden card in Bangkok, Thailand will deliver the action. 

When ONE: KINGDOM OF HEROES hits the Impact Arena this Saturday, 6 October, it will be the greatest showcase of elite-level martial arts seen anywhere in the world.

The enormous 14-bout blockbuster has something for every type of combat sports enthusiast, bringing the world’s best in boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai, and mixed martial arts together in a single event.

Here are three reasons why you absolutely much catch ONE: KINGDOM OF HEROES.

#1 Two World Title Bouts

There will be two World Championships on the line in the Thai capital.

In the main event, Srisaket Sor Rungvisai (46-4-1) defends his WBC Super Flyweight World Title against Mexico’s Iran “MagnifiKO” Diaz (14-2-3).

Srisaket is a national hero in his homeland, and has lived in Bangkok since he was 13, when he moved there to try and find a better life for himself. His values resonate perfectly with ONE Championship’s ethos, and that is why he was the ideal choice for the promotion’s inaugural boxing encounter in the Thai capital.

“MagnifiKO” is a charismatic and dangerous challenger who has already dispatched two former World Champions. Now, the Mexican is gunning to become one himself, although he will be up against the Thai crowd, as well as the titleholder’s explosive firepower.

Also, ONE Kickboxing Atomweight World Champion “Killer Bee” Kai Ting Chuang (17-5) will defend her title for the first time against local hero Stamp Fairtex (60-15-5).

Chuang exploded into global consciousness when she defeated Muay Thai World Champion Yodcherry Sityodtong to become the first ONE Super Series female titleholder.

Her opponent, Stamp, trains just 150 kilometers away from Bangkok at the famous Fairtex Gym in Pattaya, and will undoubtedly try to channel the energy of her countrymen to become a World Champion.

#2 Seven Incredible ONE Super Series Match-ups

Given that the event takes place in the home of the world’s most illustrious Muay Thai stadiums and World Champions, it is no surprise that ONE Super Series is featured heavily on this mega card.

The all-striking battles have been a phenomenal addition to ONE Championship since debuting earlier this year, and the level of talent acquired has been of the finest quality.

The very best Muay Thai warriors are now signed to the world’s largest martial arts organization, and will compete against the very best strikers on the planet.

In addition to the ONE Kickboxing Atomweight World Title co-main event, there will be three other bouts contested under kickboxing rules, as well as three to be contested under Muay Thai rules.

Legends such as Nong-O Gaiyanghadao, Andy Souwer, and Singtongnoi Por Telakun all will clash with first-rate opponents. Also, there will be returning stars like Petchdam Kaiyanghadao and Petchmorrakot Wor. Sangprapai, as well as hard-hitting heavyweights Alain Ngalani and Andre Meunier.

#3 A Lightweight World Title Eliminator

Two of the best lightweights in the world will do battle to become the top contender in arguably the most hotly-contested division in ONE Championship.

Former king Shinya Aoki (41-8, 1 NC) meets surging Malaysian Ev Ting (15-4), and both men are keen to get their shot at the ONE Lightweight World Title.

Despite losing his belt to Eduard Folayang in November 2016, Aoki is still the most dominant champion to date in the division. “Tobikan Judan” is also the most-feared submission artist in mixed martial arts and has had a landmark year so far, finishing both Shannon Wiratchai and Rasul Yakhyaev via first-round stoppages.

Ting has been a consistent performer for the promotion, and carries a three-bout win streak into this contest, having defeated high-level adversaries in Koji Ando, Ariel Sexton, and Nobutatsu Suzuki. He first challenged for the belt last year, dropping a decision to Eduard Folayang, and has looked like a much-improved competitor in every outing since then.

The winner of this tilt is guaranteed a shot at the next ONE Lightweight World Champion — which will be either Folayang or Amir Khan — in Tokyo, Japan, in March 2018.