5 Fiery Knockouts From The Stars Of ONE: BATTLEGROUND III
ONE: BATTLEGROUND III is packed with knockout artists who are constantly looking to dismantle their rivals with punches, kicks, knees, and elbows.
This means the chance of a stunning finish is always just one strike away, so fans will need to stay focused on every second of the action when it airs from the Singapore Indoor Stadium on Friday, 27 August.
To catch a glimpse of what these dangerous strikers are capable of, relive five memorable knockout victories from the stars of ONE: BATTLEGROUND III.
#1 Tawanchai’s High Kick Takes Out Clancy
Tawanchai PK.Saenchai Muaythaigym couldn’t have wished for a better ONE Super Series debut, as the Thai star secured a massive KO win over Sean “Clubber” Clancy at ONE: DANGAL in May 2021.
The PK.Saenchai Muaythaigym representative decked his rival in the opening round, but Clancy — who is known for his durability — kept pushing forward, making it a riveting battle.
Still, Tawanchai consistently had the upper hand and stayed composed, picking “Clubber” off as he came in. Knowing he was down on the scorecards, the Irishman was forced to go for the finish in the third round.
With that in mind, Clancy blocked an incoming left high kick from the Bangkok resident and tried to press forward with a hard right counter. But he missed his mark, and Tawanchai saw the opportunity to try again.
This time, “Clubber” tried to lean back away from the strike, but he didn’t get far enough out of the way. Tawanchai’s foot found the sweet spot, instantly turning off his opponent’s lights.
The 22-year-old Thai phenom will hope for another emphatic finish in his return on 27 August, though he’ll face a much bigger test in the shape of his star compatriot Sitthichai “Killer Kid” Sitsongpeenong.
#2 Dejdamrong Finishes Catalan After Clinch Masterclass
Muay Thai legend Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke showcased the skills that took him to the top of the game when he demolished Robin “The Ilonggo” Catalan in a mixed martial arts clash at ONE: QUEST FOR GREATNESS in August 2017.
Catalan had a strong first round, but the Thai was fired up for the second stanza and immediately went on the attack. The former ONE Strawweight World Champion used Catalan’s eagerness for a takedown to clinch up and score with hard elbows and knees.
“The Ilonggo” struggled to find a way out as Dejdamrong repeatedly crashed a knee into his midsection, weakening the Filipino’s resolve.
A right elbow then sent Catalan reeling, and the Thai star followed up with a right hand that floored his foe. One last knee to the head sealed the deal for an impressive finish.
At ONE: BATTLEGROUND III, Dejdamrong will enter the Circle in his adopted home of Singapore and face promotional newcomer “The Prince” Banma Duoji in a 57.7-kilogram catchweight affair.
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#3 Kim Outguns Jumayi For First-Round TKO
South Korean sensation Dae Hwan Kim overwhelms Ayideng Jumayi with a ferocious flurry to secure a TKO victory at 4:11 of Round 1!Watch the full event on the ONE Super App 👉 http://bit.ly/ONESuperApp | TV: Check local listings for global broadcast
Posted by ONE Championship on Friday, May 3, 2019
Former ONE World Title challenger “Ottogi” Dae Hwan Kim reminded the world of his striking prowess when he took out Ayideng “A.J.” Jumayi at ONE: FOR HONOR in May 2019.
Both men used the opening minutes to try and find weaknesses in their opponent’s defense, and the bout truly sparked to life when they began to trade blows in the center of the ring.
Jumayi dipped into a big overhand right, but this offered Kim the chance to counter with an uppercut. The South Korean followed up with a straight right that wobbled the Chinese warrior.
Sensing a finish was close, “Ottogi” dialed up the intensity and chased his rival down with a flurry of hooks. As “A.J.” slumped into the corner, Kim finished him off with a barrage of uppercuts that forced the referee to intervene.
#4 Xie Blasts Rothana With Heavy Punches
After falling short in his promotional debut, Chinese slugger “The Hunter” Xie Wei earned his first win on the global stage when he defeated Chan Rothana at ONE: COLLISION COURSE in December 2020.
The Cambodian gave his all and made it a three-round war, but “The Hunter’s” concussive power was relentless and apparent throughout.
Rothana tried to slow Xie down with heavy low kicks. But undeterred, the Sunkin International Fight Club athlete ate them and fired back with a clubbing right hand — and it paid off.
Visibly tired, Rothana stepped in with another kick to the lead thigh. “The Hunter” popped off his straight right counter as his rival stepped back with his hands down. The first shot missed, but the following left hook found the Cambodian’s chin.
Rothana hit the deck and a furious volley of ground-and-pound followed to cement a TKO victory for the surging Chinese striker.
“The Hunter” meets the veteran Kim in a crucial litmus test at ONE: BATTLEGROUND III.
#5 Royle Snatches TKO Victory In Debut
If the pressure was on Ben Royle in his ONE debut, it never showed. The Englishman slowly built up the pressure until he reached a crescendo and finished Quitin Thomas in round three at ONE: NO SURRENDER III in August 2020.
Surprisingly, the battle between Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu specialist Royle and wrestler Thomas was waged on the feet. And although it started slowly, the man from Manchester managed to lay a strong foundation with hard low kicks.
By round two, Royle’s shins were making mincemeat of his rival’s thigh, and Thomas’ right leg eventually buckled from the onslaught of impacts.
But the Englishman resisted the temptation to dive in quickly, and instead went after the damaged limb again in round three. With the American worried about his lower body, Royle sent a crunching uppercut into his jaw that dropped him to a knee.
Thomas bounced right back up, but Royle kept up the pressure and walked his adversary down with a series of left hooks and right crosses until the referee waved off the battle.
The Tiger Muay Thai man goes up against Purev Otgonjargal in his sophomore appearance on the global stage at ONE: BATTLEGROUND III.
Read more: Sitthichai Has Point To Prove In Muay Thai Return Against Tawanchai