4 Standout Performances From The Stars Of ONE: HERO’S ASCENT

ONE Championship returns to the Philippines on Friday, 25 January for ONE: HERO’S ASCENT, as some of the most exciting names in martial arts return to action in the nation’s capital of Manila.

The bout card for the event reads like a who’s who of Filipino martial arts, and their presence is further boosted by a host of world-class athletes from across the globe.

To prepare for the action-packed card, here are four exceptional performances from four athletes set to compete at the Mall Of Asia Arena.

Geje Eustaquio And Adriano Moraes‘ Epic Rematch

Geje “Gravity” Eustaquio’s rematch victory with Adriano “Mikinho” Moraes saw the Filipino claim the biggest win of his career as he demonstrated his growth as a martial artist and captured the ONE Flyweight World Title.

Eustaquio lost the first bout via second-round submission back in 2014, but in the rematch at ONE: PINNACLE OF POWER, he willingly tested his vastly-improved grappling skills against the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt.

“Gravity” successfully fended off Moraes’ submission attacks and even used his improved wrestling to take the Brazilian down to the mat during the contest. Meanwhile, Eustaquio remained dangerous on the feet, using his wushu style to edge the striking exchanges.

Moraes was a threat throughout a highly-competitive contest, but it was Eustaquio’s improvements that proved the difference as he shaded a gripping World Title tussle by split decision to claim the belt.

Honorio Banario‘s Greatest Performance

Honorio “The Rock” Banario had to use all of his skills, both physical and mental, to claim one of the biggest wins of his professional mixed martial arts career.

That win came against the teak-tough Australian Adrian “The Hunter” Pang, whose persistent, come-forward pressure has broken many a contender during his long mixed martial arts career.

Once again, “The Hunter” looked to impose that same pressure on Banario when the pair met at ONE: HEROES OF HONOR.

Pang forced Banario to take a counter-striking approach, and the Team Lakay veteran superbly adapted his game, using excellent footwork and varied kickboxing to answer Pang’s heavy hands with slick combinations.

“The Rock” was able to frustrate the Australian as he landed blow after blow, and ran out the split decision winner after what he believes was the best performance of his career – even above his ONE Featherweight World Title win.

Danny Kingad Battles Back

Filipino star Danny “The King” Kingad had to weather an early storm against powerful Japanese newcomer Yuya Wakamatsu, but eventually used his full mixed martial arts arsenal to secure a unanimous decision victory at ONE: CONQUEST OF HEROES.

The “Little Piranha” was making his ONE Championship debut, and the Japanese athlete came flying out of the blocks in the opening round as he looked to make his powerful strikes pay in the early exchanges.

It forced Kingad, often a fast starter himself, to take a more methodical approach. The Team Lakay star soon established his rhythm, thanks to his superior wrestling and ground game, and came close to locking up a bout-ending rear-naked choke at the end of the first round.

Kingad then turned to his striking in the second and third rounds as his wushu strikes found their mark. Powerful kicks to the body, plus some spectacular spinning techniques, saw Kingad take control of the stand-up exchanges as he dictated terms both on the feet and on the mat.

Kingad tried another submission attempt deep into the third and final round, but the gritty Japanese contender survived once again and even ended the contest on top, landing heavy punches.

But Kingad had already done enough to win the contest in the eyes of the judges as he secured a vital victory in his quest for another shot at the ONE Flyweight World Title.

Rodtang Jitmuangnon Dominates Sergio Wielzen

Muay Thai superstar Rodtang “Iron Man” Jitmuangnon‘s arrival in ONE Super Series was one of the headlines of the year in the Muay Thai world.

His debut performance against Dutchman Sergio Wielzen showcased his striking greatness in a thrilling performance at ONE: CONQUEST OF HEROES.

Wielzen proved to be a willing dance partner for Rodtang, as he stood and traded heavy leather with the Thai star throughout three-round contest.

Wielzen’s durability allowed Rodtang to unleash his full arsenal of strikes, as he dropped the Dutch-Surinamese striker in the first and last rounds in a comprehensive display.

Up close, his work to the body was also outstanding, and he dominated in the clinch – sweeping his opponent to the canvas on numerous occasions. At distance, his powerful roundhouse kicks were devastating.

It was a near-faultless display from Rodtang, whose unanimous decision victory gave him the 253rd win of his stellar Muay Thai career.