4 Great Performances From The Heroes OF ONE: CONQUEST OF CHAMPIONS

For athletes battling it out at the highest level of martial arts competition, it is always preferable to get the job done early. They do not get paid for overtime.

However, when elite martial artists face off in the ONE Championship cage, sometimes even the best are forced to go the distance to earn their victories.

To reach the top, a warrior must have the conditioning, mental strength, and temperament to battle through to the scorecards.

Here are four examples of that, as we look back at a quartet of shining performances from athletes set for action at ONE: CONQUEST OF CHAMPIONS this Friday, 23 November at the Mall Of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines.

Eduard Folayang Defeats Aziz Pahrudinov

Eduard “Landslide” Folayang’s journey back to a title shot has been anything but easy.

His last two outings saw him matched against undefeated Russian opposition, and he responded with back-to-back wins. His most recent display against Aziz Pahrudinov at ONE: REIGN OF KINGS was particularly impressive, as it showed the Filipino hero was back to his best.

Folayang used his wushu striking to pick apart the Sambo World Champion from range, as his chopping blows to the leg had a cumulative effect on Pahrudinov. He also showcased his defensive grappling to stay out of danger on the mat.

By the time the bout entered the third round, the Filipino hero had slowed his opponent to the point that he was able to showcase his full arsenal of spectacular strikes.

The Russian responded with wild, looping punches in an attempt to snatch a comeback win, but Folayang remained composed and showed a champion’s temperament, masterfully controlling the final frame to secure a unanimous decision win and hand Pahrudinov the first defeat of his professional career.

“Landslide” will challenge for the vacant ONE Lightweight World Title against Amir Khan in Manila.

Saemapetch Fairtex Powers Past Deividas Danyla

Muay Thai World Champion Saemapetch Fairtex arrived in ONE Super Series looking to make a good first impression, and he succeeded with a resounding unanimous decision victory over Lithuanian striker Deividas Danyla.

In an exciting clash in Guangzhou, China at ONE: BATTLE FOR THE HEAVENS that showcased Saemapetch’s elite-level striking skills and Danyla’s never-say-die spirit, the pair went toe-to-toe for three rounds.

Saemapetch made his presence felt in a dominant opening round. He started by focusing on his opponent’s body before he switched targets to Danyla’s head, and flattened the IMC Muay Thai World Champion with a downward elbow that put an exclamation point on a powerful combination.

The second round saw Saemapetch use his full array of Muay Thai skills to dominate proceedings and keep the Lithuanian at bay. With Danyla desperately looking to score a late stoppage, the Thai marshaled his opponent well, using leg kicks, sweeps, and slick counter strikes to seal his debut win in ONE.

Saemapetch showed he is willing to stand and trade with elite opposition, and he has the chance to do it again against Alaverdi “Dagger” Ramazanov this Friday.

Peng Xue Wen Upsets Stefer Rahardian

Chinese wrestler Peng Xue Wen knew he had a big test in front of him when he faced Stefer “The Lion” Rahardian at ONE: CONQUEST OF HEROES in Jakarta, but he produced an excellent performance to hand the Indonesian star his first defeat on home soil.

Peng’s main strength lies in his wrestling, and he used it defensively so he could focus on his striking against the submission specialist en route to a unanimous decision victory.

Using an effective combination of powerful leg kicks and slick punches, the Ninja MMA representative frustrated Rahardian and kept him on the retreat. The hometown hero found it increasingly difficult to secure takedowns as the Chinese wrestler nullified the Indonesian’s best chance of victory.

Peng kept his composure throughout to go the distance and claim a clear unanimous decision win.

The 22-year-old will hope to build on this performance by getting his third victory in a row against Jeremy “The Jaguar” Miado at ONE: CONQUEST OF CHAMPIONS.

Amir Khan Outmaneuvers Adrian Pang

Many rising stars have seen their momentum halted by a wily veteran who used their experience to overcome their young opponent.

That was something Amir Khan had to be careful of against the teak-tough Adrian “The Hunter” Pang at ONE: IMMORTAL PURSUIT.

Khan had developed a reputation as a dangerous finisher, but against Pang, who has not been stopped in the cage since 2006, he had to show different qualities. The Singaporean exhibited patience, composure, and excellent conditioning to battle all the way to the scorecards with the heavy-handed Australian.

Pang pushed the pace throughout, looking to land his heavy punches, but Khan used his excellent footwork and counter striking – including powerful leg kicks – to outmaneuver “The Hunter” and earn a unanimous decision victory.

Khan’s 100 percent finishing rate came to an end, but the bout also arguably saw Khan come of age in the cage, and proved he was a bonafide contender.

He has the chance to become World Champion when he faces Folayang in the co-main event inside the Mall Of Asia Arena.