5 Fantastic Finishes By The Heroes Of ONE CHAMPIONSHIP: SHANGHAI

Martial arts fans are in for a sensational show at ONE CHAMPIONSHIP: SHANGHAI.

After all, there are several accomplished veterans on the card who have built a reputation for entertaining ONE fans around the world with spectacular stoppage wins.

Needless to say, they’ll be looking to add to their growing highlight reels come Saturday, 2 September, at the Shanghai Oriental Sports Center.

Ben Askren’s Choke Of Agilan Thani

Ben “Funky” Askren (16-0, 1 NC) is considered the best welterweight on the planet, and for good reason. The undefeated ONE Welterweight World Champion has demolished every single opponent who has stood across from him, and more often than not, he makes it look effortless.

Last May, the 33-year-old American defended his coveted strap against then-unbeaten Malaysian contender Agilan “Alligator” Thani (8-1), and the champ handily controlled his rival for the whole duration of the short bout.

Askren leaned on his Olympic wrestling pedigree immediately, as he took the “Alligator” to the ground, used his impressive top game to advance to more dominant positions, and softened his rival up with effective ground strikes. Though Thani eventually got back up, “Funky” brought him back down and secured an arm-triangle choke to force the tap at the 2:20 mark of the opening stanza.

The American’s next title defense is against Zebaztian “The Bandit” Kadestam on 2 September, and he is undoubtedly looking for another quick victory.

Zebaztian Kadestam’s Stunning KO Of Luis Santos

Zebaztian “The Bandit” Kadestam (9-3) is a true Cinderella story. In a span of four months, the 26-year-old Swedish Muay Thai striker went from a late replacement opponent to a main event title contender on the strength of his fearlessness and talent.

Back in May, the welterweight filled in for Vuyisile Colossa on two weeks’ notice to accept a bout against former world title challenger Luis “Sapo” Santos (63-10-1, 1 NC) at ONE: DYNASTY OF HEROES. The Brazilian had a full eight-week training camp, more cage experience, and the all-round skill set to control matters in all aspects of the game.

For the first two rounds, Santos did just that. The BJJ black belt out-struck Kadestam, brought the Swede to the ground, and attempted several submissions. By the time the third round began, however, “Sapo” had begun to tire, and it was just as the Swede had planned. “The Bandit” successfully defended a takedown, and landed a series of devastating knees on the ground to secure a comeback knockout win for the ages.

With the win over a former title challenger, Kadestam was awarded with a title shot of his own against Askren, whom he meets in the main event of ONE CHAMPIONSHIP: SHANGHAI on 2 September.

Narantungalag Jadambaa’s One-Punch KO Of Eric Kelly

Former ONE Featherweight World Champion Narantungalag “Tungaa” Jadambaa (12-5) had submitted Kotetsu “No Face” Boku in May 2016, and needed another impressive showing to get a title rematch.

Two months later, the 41-year-old Mongolian was paired up against former title challenger Eric “The Natural” Kelly (12-4) in the main event of ONE: DYNASTY OF CHAMPIONS (HEFEI).

In less than a minute, he sealed the deal on a second bout against Marat Gafurov. Jadambaa backed the Filipino towards the fence, where both men threw simultaneous strikes. The Mongolian’s powerful right cross was quicker to land, however, and landed directly on Kelly’s chin, sending him crashing to the canvas instantly.

Although Jadambaa would lose his title rematch later that November, he took a well-deserved break, and will resume his career on 2 September. He will square off against Japanese grappling wizard Tetsuya Yamada (18-5-2).

Amir Khan’s Comeback Submission Of Vaughn Donayre

Amir Khan (7-2) may be known for his Muay Thai, but last November, he proved that he is a well-rounded martial artist who deserves respect in all facets of the game.

The 22-year-old clashed with Vaughn “The Spawn” Donayre (8-7) at ONE: DEFENDING HONOR, and together, they stole the show with a back-and-forth affair that featured multiple near-finishes.

In fact, many thought Donayre had the win sewn up with a deep kimura on Khan in the second frame. However, Khan incredibly toughed out the hold, and found a second wind in the third round. That was when he capitalized on a tired Donayre, eventually submitting the BJJ champion with a rear-naked choke.

Now, three months following his 99-second TKO victory over Rajinder Singh Meena, Khan returns to action, and draws Jaroslav Jartim (8-6-1).

Sagetdao Petpayathai’s Muay Thai Masterclass Against Kelvin Ong

Earlier this March, Sagetdao Petpayathai (1-0) entered ONE Championship as one of the most decorated Muay Thai practitioners of all time. Of the many titles he has held includes the WBC Muay Thai World Championship, the Rajadamnern World Championship, and the Lumpinee World Championship on four separate occasions.

When the 30-year-old Evolve MMA representative stepped inside the cage to make his promotional and professional cage debut against Malaysian athlete Kelvin “Ice Man” Ong at ONE: WARRIOR OF KINGDOM, “Deadly Star” was dazzling.

After a brief feeling-out period, Petpayathai secured his feared Muay Thai clinch against Ong, and unloaded a barrage of thunderous knees that sent his opponent spiralling backwards to the cage. A steady flow of punches ensued until Petpayathai was awarded the TKO victory.

Next, Petpayathai meets Egyptian Top Team’s Mahmoud “El Deep” Mohamed (4-4-1) in a featherweight affair.