3 Under-The-Radar MMA Fights That Fans Should Be Excited About This September
This month will end with a bang, as ONE 161 and ONE on Prime Video 2 are set for September 29 and 30, respectively.
Naturally, fans will be drawn to the blockbuster main events, which feature superstars like ONE Women’s Atomweight World Champion Angela Lee and ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion Petchmorakot Petchyindee.
But beyond those headlining fights, there are some intriguing under-the-radar matchups that deserve attention.
From heavyweight sluggers to speedy flyweight strikers, fans will be treated to a wide-ranging showcase of mixed martial arts.
And while these competitors might be lower down on the lineups, that doesn’t mean their battles will be any less entertaining.
As we look ahead to both cards, here are three can’t-miss MMA fights coming up later this month at ONE 161 and ONE on Prime Video 2.
Oumar Kane vs. Batradz Gazzaev – Heavyweight
“Reug Reug” Oumar Kane is one of the most physically imposing athletes in the world.
And at ONE 161, the Senegalese wrestling powerhouse will square off with Russian wrestler and promotional newcomer Batradz Gazzaev.
Kane is coming off a disappointing April 2021 loss to top contender Kirill Grishenko, so he should be motivated to recapture the winning form that saw him finish his first two ONE Championship foes inside the distance.
Not unlike “Reug Reug,” Gazzaev is a mass of muscle.
Undefeated across three professional bouts with three TKO finishes, the Alania Fighting Team representative will look to make a statement against one of ONE’s fan favorites.
Kane versus Gazzaev is a classic heavyweight banger with guaranteed fireworks for as long as it lasts.
Wang Shuo vs. Yuya Wakamatsu – Flyweight
After that clash of heavyweight titans, flyweight strikers Wang Shuo and Yuya Wakamatsu will meet in an all-action affair at ONE 161.
Both men are coming off losses that snapped significant winning streaks, and fans can expect them to fight with a renewed sense of urgency.
An explosive puncher, #3-ranked Wakamatsu had reeled off five consecutive victories before losing a World Title challenge of then-flyweight king Adriano Moraes.
Wang had also won five straight, including a spectacular knockout in his ONE Championship debut, before dropping a decision to veteran grappling specialist Tatsumitsu Wada.
This under-the-radar contest can be summed up in one word: speed. “Little Piranha” and “Little Whirlwind” are two of MMA’s quickest strikers who should set a furious pace from bell to bell.
Ryogo Takahashi vs. Oh Ho Taek – Featherweight
In a classic contest between a veteran and a rising star, 11-year pro Ryogo “Kaitai” Takahashi will welcome ONE Championship rookie Oh Ho Taek to the Circle at ONE on Prime Video 2.
The owner of 14 career MMA victories, Takahashi is an experienced and game striker who’s comfortable exchanging in the pocket with the best in the world.
On the other side, “Spider” is a highly touted phenom who’s riding a six-fight winning streak.
The 29-year-old South Korean owns well-rounded skills, but he generally performs best on the mat, where he’s earned five of his eight career wins by submission.
Tune in to Takahashi vs. Oh to see one of MMA’s most intriguing upstarts against a grizzled veteran with plenty of tricks up his sleeve.
