4 Stellar Performances From The Stars Of ONE: KINGDOM OF HEROES

ONE Championship is preparing for the biggest event in its history.

The world’s largest martial arts organization will hold ONE: KINGDOM OF HEROES at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand, on Saturday, 6 October.

From World Champions looking to defend their glory to seasoned contenders aiming to earn a shot at the gold, this 14-bout card is stacked full of elite athletes who are known for delivering eye-catching performances.

Just a week before showtime, take a look back at four of the best performances from the mixed martial arts superstars who will be competing in “The Land Of Smiles.”

Shinya Aoki Against Koji Ando

Most of Shinya “Tobikan Judan” Aoki’s best wins have come via his top-level submission prowess.

However, in his ONE Lightweight World Title defense against his compatriot Koji “The Commander” Ando at ONE: WARRIOR’S QUEST in May 2015, he went all the way to the judges’ scorecards after five tough rounds.

Aoki used his takedowns and grappling smarts to dominate the proceedings, as he frustrated the challenger and nullified his rival’s stand-up skills all throughout the contest.

“Tobikan Judan” came close to finishing the bout in the final moments of the third round with an armbar attempt. Ando survived to the bell, but Aoki returned to his sound game plan in the fourth stanza. The master grappler would earn a unanimous decision victory.

Although he no longer has the gold, the Japanese athlete will get the chance to win it back if he can defeat the man below next Saturday.

Ev Ting Against Koji Ando

Aoki is not the only man who has defeated “The Commander.”

Malaysia’s Ev “E.T.” Ting stands on the cusp of a second shot at the ONE Lightweight World Title, thanks to his most recent outing, in which he defeated Ando at ONE: PINNACE OF POWER in June.

The Japanese contender is a teak-tough opponent, but Ting showcased his all-around martial arts talent to get the better of his adversary’s slick striking.

Ting’s fantastic stand-up skills and superb movement also effectively nullified Ando’s physical strength and judo, as the Malaysian-Kiwi star kept the action on the feet for the majority of the contest.

When the bout did go to the mat, it was all Ting, as he sent “The Commander” tumbling with a knee in the third round, which put an exclamation point on an impressive performance.

“E.T.” earned a unanimous decision victory, extended his win streak to three bouts, and pushed himself towards the front of the lightweight queue. He will get the next title shot if he defeats Aoki in Bangkok.

Leandro Issa Against Dae Hwan Kim

Leandro “Brodinho” Issa’s latest stint in ONE Championship has seen the Brazilian in outstanding form.

Last November, in his second bout following his promotional return, he defeated former ONE Bantamweight World Title challenger “Ottogi” Dae Hwan Kim via unanimous decision at ONE: IMMORTAL PURSUIT.

The only other man to defeat Kim at the time was the division’s reigning king Bibiano “The Flash” Fernandes, and Issa followed suit by handing the South Korean the second defeat of his career.

“Brodinho” used his world-class BJJ pedigree to keep “Ottogi” on the defensive for the full 15 minutes of their clash.

It was to Kim’s great credit that Issa did not claim a finish, but the Brazilian’s performance against one of the most determined warriors in the division proved that he deserves to be included in the World Title conversation.

For his next bout, he faces surging contender Muin Gafurov in Thailand.

Robin Catalan Against Jeremy Miado

After spending a year on the sidelines due to injuries, Filipino star Robin “The Ilonggo” Catalan made a thunderous return in April 2017.

He faced previously undefeated strawweight and fellow countryman Jeremy “The Jaguar” Miado at ONE: KINGS OF DESTINY, and the pair battled hard for three rounds.

The back-and-forth contest offered a contrast in styles, with Catalan’s grappling-based attack going up against Miado’s fierce boxing and Muay Thai skills.

Ultimately, it was Catalan who had the edge. He used his wrestling and jiu-jitsu to minimize “The Jaguar’s dangerous striking game, and he controlled the proceedings on the ground.

“The Ilonggo” grabbed the split decision victory, and he handed “The Jaguar” his first professional blemish.

Catalan will try to extend his two-bout win streak against Hayato Suzuki at ONE: KINGDOM OF HEROES.