5 Huge Takeaways From ONE Fight Night 30: Kryklia Vs. Knowles
ONE Fight Night 30: Kryklia vs. Knowles lit up Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium with 11 action-packed martial arts matchups in U.S. primetime last Friday, April 4.
While the lighter-weight athletes set a furious pace to ignite the Thai crowd, the heavyweights rumbled in the evening’s main event to close the show.
Following a thunderous display at one of the combat sports world’s most iconic venues, here are the most compelling takeaways from ONE Fight Night 30.
Roman Kryklia Is Unparalleled
Current ONE Heavyweight Muay Thai and Light Heavyweight Kickboxing World Champion Roman Kryklia’s speed, footwork, head movement, pristine technique, and immense power are a combination unlike anything else.
Put together, those attributes create a perfect storm to produce the most terrifying striker on the planet.
World Title challenger Lyndon Knowles could not find his way inside Kryklia’s reach, and on the outside, he was forced to absorb devastating punishment. In less than a round, the heavyweight Muay Thai crown was defended without a single blemish upon Kryklia.
After his win, the Ukrainian skyscraper immediately asked for a quick turnaround. And why not? He suffered no damage and remains in immaculate shape. As the titleholder in two sports and two divisions, Kryklia wants to continue elevating the heavier weight classes.
But who could possibly rise to the challenge? That may be the biggest question of all – because Roman Kryklia is a Frankenstein’s monster who stands alone as the best big man in the striking arts.
Eersel Displays His Championship Mindset
After losing the ONE Lightweight Kickboxing World Title on the scale prior to his trilogy matchup with Alexis Nicolas, the wheels could have come off for Regian Eersel.
Instead, fans were treated to the mindset of a true World Champion. “The Immortal” quickly put aside the disappointment and delivered a resounding statement that he remains truly elite.
In his majority decision triumph, Eersel adapted to his rival’s game plan and used his technical superiority to deliver a vital win.
After the match, he remained positive in his outlook, continuing to embody the spirit that has long made him a superstar in the striking arts – and still the ONE Lightweight Muay Thai World Champion.
Nico Carrillo Remains A Legend-Beater In Heavier Weight Class
Nico Carrillo was becoming known as a legend-beater in the bantamweight Muay Thai division, dispatching Muangthai PK Saenchai, Nong-O Hama, and Saemapetch Fairtex. Some questioned whether that would continue when he moved up to the dangerous waters of featherweight.
At ONE Fight Night 30, “King of the North” answered that question emphatically with a commanding performance and a crushing body-shot knockout of eight-time Kickboxing and Muay Thai World Champion Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong.
Carrillo’s natural power did not just translate to the higher weight class – his physique and stature looked like they always belonged there. The Scottish sensation is a true featherweight who owns devastating power that can affect anybody in the division.
With a key win over the #5-ranked featherweight Muay Thai contender, Carrillo might just take a quick trip into the World Title picture.
Asa Ten Pow Earns Signature Win For American Muay Thai
Asa Ten Pow earned the biggest victory of his career in a stunning firefight with Seksan Or Kwanmuang.
Following a tough setback against John Lineker last time out, “The American Ninja” rebounded in a major way, doing what nobody else in ONE Championship has done by finishing the battle-hardened Thai fan favorite.
Now with a 3-1 record in his last four ONE appearances, it was a massive result that revitalized Ten Pow’s chances of reaching the upper echelon – and marked a major moment for American Muay Thai.
As a representative for his nation on the global stage, the Florida resident displayed technical mastery that shined under the bright lights. Now, he has every bit of momentum needed to help carry the torch forward.
George Jarvis Puts Lightweight Muay Thai Crown In Crosshairs
George Jarvis was sharp in his lightweight Muay Thai meeting with Mouhcine Chafi, garnering his fourth consecutive win in ONE Championship.
“G-Unit” moved closer to his ultimate goal of competing for the ONE Lightweight Muay Thai World Championship – and he let that be known in his post-match interview with Mitch Chilson.
Following another first-rate performance, the Englishman’s position as one of the top threats in the division is hard to ignore. He even floated the idea of showcasing his talents in Denver at ONE 173 on August 1.
It was the same location that divisional king Eersel mentioned after his victory in the co-main event. Perhaps the stars are aligning for a massive showdown in 2025.
