5 Biggest Takeaways From ONE On Prime Video 1
ONE Championship’s return to U.S. primetime with ONE on Prime Video 1: Moraes vs. Johnson II was nothing short of epic this past Friday, August 26.
Each of the nine bouts at the Singapore Indoor Stadium delivered fast-paced, hard-hitting action, and every main card matchup ended with an emphatic finish.
Now that the dust has settled, we look at the five biggest takeaways following ONE’s debut on Prime Video.
Johnson’s GOAT Status Is Undeniable
The narrative surrounding Demetrious Johnson‘s second bid to claim the ONE Flyweight World Championship was all about redemption. He wanted to avenge the only KO loss of his career, which came by the hands of Adriano Moraes in 2021.
“Mighty Mouse” redeemed himself after pushing the pace from the opening bell of their rematch at ONE on Prime Video 1, eating shots from “Mikinho” and taking over after a tough opening two rounds.
Moraes displayed excellent top control on the ground in the first two frames, but Johnson’s defense was on point. The Washington native faced the adversity head-on, regrouped, and came out firing.
As Johnson began to find his range in the third round, he touched up Moraes. The shift in momentum was palpable inside the Singapore Indoor Stadium, and by the fourth round — after a stinging right hand that wobbled the Brazilian — “Mighty Mouse” claimed the gold with a leaping knee.
Johnson’s sterling performance in the face of adversity was another testament to why he’s considered the greatest mixed martial artist of all time.
Nong-O Only Gets More Dangerous Inside The Circle
When Nong-O Gaiyanghadao came out of retirement in 2018 to join ONE, few fans imagined that he would be knocking off the world’s best strikers four years later.
After he debuted in ONE, he went on a five-bout winning streak. In his last four matches, however, Nong-O leveled-up and knocked out each challenger to his bantamweight crown.
The ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion’s latest victim, #5-ranked contender Liam Harrison, couldn’t continue after absorbing just a few of the Thai’s leg kicks in round one. It was Nong-O’s placement and power of the kicks that left the Brit on the canvas unable to stand.
One of the greatest Muay Thai athletes in history is showing no signs of regressing and only gets better with each passing battle.
Heated Rivalry Set For The Grand Prix Final
Rodtang Jitmuangnon’s unexpected withdrawal from the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Grand Prix laid the groundwork for a final between two athletes who sparked the next installment of their rivalry with electric finishes at ONE on Prime Video 1.
Top-ranked flyweight Muay Thai contender Superlek Kiatmoo9 punched his ticket to the Grand Prix finale with a brilliant elbow just 95 seconds into his contest against #5-ranked Walter Goncalves on Friday night.
Later that evening, #3-ranked Panpayak Jitmuangnon, who replaced “The Iron Man,” went scorched Earth on fourth-ranked Savvas Michael with a right hook, left head kick combination just moments into the second round of their semifinal match.
When they step inside the Circle later this year for the tournament final, it will mark the eighth time the two have competed against one another. Panpayak holds the lead at 4-2-1, but Superlek scored the most recent victory at ONE: NO SURRENDER by unanimous decision.
The two familiar foes now stand one win away from the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Grand Prix Championship silver belt and a guaranteed shot at Rodtang’s gold.
Buchecha Looks Ready For The Top Of The Mountain
Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida continued to look unstoppable with his first-round heel hook finish of former ONE Interim Heavyweight World Title challenger Kirill Grishenko in their mixed martial arts bout this past Friday.
His dominance has made him one of the most exciting athletes to watch in the division. And alongside his growing all-around skill set, the 17-time BJJ World Champion’s physical presence is daunting, making him a tough matchup for any heavyweight.
The Brazilian now has four consecutive first-round victories. And although Almeida is okay with the slow road to the top, his recent performance proved that he’s ready to challenge the best of the division.
If “Buchecha” continues down this path, his long list of accolades may soon include the ONE Heavyweight World Title.
‘The Bandit’ Is Ready To Steal Roberto Soldic’s Thunder
Zebaztian Kadestam made a statement with his blistering knockout win of former ONE Lightweight World Title challenger Iuri Lapicus in the opening contest of ONE on Prime Video 1.
Following the precise uppercut that sent his opponent to the canvas, Kadestam wasted little time in calling out ONE’s latest superstar signing, Roberto Soldic.
“Robocop,” who was one of the hottest free agents on the market before signing with ONE, accepted Kadestam’s challenge when he spoke to Mitch Chilson inside the Circle later that evening.
While nothing is finalized, Soldic already has one of the division’s top stars gunning for the bullseye on his chest. And the Croatian is more than happy to get the opportunity to send a message to the weight class by taking out its former king.
