5 Big Takeaways From ONE on Prime Video 4
Last Friday, November 18, ONE Championship returned to the Singapore Indoor Stadium with nine extraordinary martial arts contests at ONE on Prime Video 4: Abbasov vs. Lee.
The action was nonstop from the opening bell. By night’s end, multiple US$50,000 performance bonuses had been awarded, while Christian “The Warrior” Lee had become a two-division ONE World Champion with an epic comeback victory over Kiamrian “Brazen” Abbasov.
Here are five massive takeaways after a heart-pounding evening of martial arts.
Christian Lee Is Already Becoming An MMA Legend
After reclaiming his ONE Lightweight World Title earlier this year, Christian Lee went for double-gold against former welterweight king Kiamrian Abbasov. And despite some early adversity, he capitalized on the opportunity with a memorable display of warrior spirit.
Lee was on the brink of being stopped by Abbasov’s raw power in round one, but he showed incredible heart to stay alive and reach the bell.
From that point forward, “The Warrior” took control. He attacked Abbasov’s body and legs with strikes, and in round four, he unloaded a relentless barrage of elbows. That flurry sent “Brazen” to the ground, where Lee unloaded ground-and-pound until referee Herb Dean stopped the contest.
The rousing victory exhibited the grit and mettle that Lee’s family – including atomweight queen “Unstoppable” Angela Lee – has become known for inside the Circle.
In one calendar year, Christian has won World Titles in two divisions, and at just 24 years old, he’s already created an astonishing legacy in mixed martial arts.
Now the reigning ONE Lightweight and Welterweight World Champion with 16 finishes in 17 career wins, “The Warrior” is unquestionably one of the planet’s top pound-for-pound fighters. And following Friday’s performance, he has a strong case to be named 2022’s MMA Fighter of the Year.
Rodtang Remains Unstoppable
ONE Strawweight Muay Thai World Champion Joseph “The Hurricane” Lasiri moved up in weight to attempt a historic upset against ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon.
But when hunting a monster, sometimes you become the victim.
Rodtang’s dominant showing against Lasiri was simply mesmerizing. The Thai superstar showed utter disregard for his opponent’s power and walked through strikes to unleash his own ferocious offense.
Two late-bout knockdowns were just the icing on the cake of a tremendous World Title defense.
The victory kept Rodtang’s unblemished 12-0 striking record in ONE intact. “The Iron Man” has now made four successful defenses of his belt and is the boogeyman in the flyweight Muay Thai division.
Whether he goes for kickboxing gold next, moves to MMA, or defends his Muay Thai strap once again, it’s clear the 25-year-old is a transcendent athlete who captivates fans across the globe with unbelievable performances.
Stephen Loman Is Ready For The Spotlight
Stephen “The Sniper” Loman entered ONE on Prime Video 4 with a mission to prove he is ready to challenge for the ONE Bantamweight World Championship. After three rounds against former divisional king and #3-ranked Bibiano “The Flash” Fernandes, that mission was certainly accomplished.
Whether it was on the feet with his striking or in the grappling exchanges, Loman took control of the action. Fernandes gave everything he had, but it was not enough against the surging Filipino athlete from Team Lakay.
This was the kind of complete MMA performance that turns a contender into a true star. Loman squared off against one of the greatest bantamweights of all time and passed the test with flying colors.
The 27-year-old has now won 11 straight fights overall and will be in an excellent position to challenge either John Lineker or Fabricio Andrade after their ONE Bantamweight World Title rematch on February 10 at ONE on ONE Prime Video 7.
Cosmo Alexandre Goes Out With A Bang
Brazilian striking legend Cosmo “Good Boy” Alexandre got to do something rare in combat sports – exit on his own terms.
After a slow start, “Good Boy” flashed his trademark power with a looping right hand that stunned Juan Cervantes in their welterweight Muay Thai contest.
And with Cervantes in range, Alexandre put an end to the match with a brilliant inside elbow that floored the Brit.
The 40-year-old then took the mic and officially retired with his 70th professional victory. But he is not content to simply ride off into the sunset.
Instead, the martial arts icon wants to return home and continue to work as an ambassador for ONE.
“Good Boy” may get his wish, as the world’s largest martial arts organization recently announced a multi-year partnership with Globo’s Combate in Brazil, set to begin in January 2023.
Danielle Kelly Walks The Walk
Validation was not something that Danielle Kelly needed, but it’s what she received following her first-round rear-naked choke submission win over Mariia Molchanova.
The BJJ star debuted in ONE against Mei Yamaguchi in March, but despite plenty of hype, she was unable to secure a finish. This time, Kelly forced the tap in just over two minutes of action against the four-time Sambo World World Champion.
The seamless submission backed up all of the American’s pre-fight talk and solidified her elite status in the atomweight submission grappling division.
With her second US$50,000 performance bonus, the 26-year-old silenced any doubters and sent her stock soaring.
