5 Lessons Learned From ONE: MARK OF GREATNESS

On Friday, 6 December, ONE Championship’s finest martial artists battled for the last time this year at ONE: MARK OF GREATNESS inside the Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The 13-bout spectacle contained thrilling action all throughout the night, and we learned valuable things about many of the athletes.

Here are just five of the biggest takeaways from an incredible evening in the Malaysian capital.

#1 There Is Little Doubt About “The Big Heart”

“The Big Heart” Yoon Chang Min produced another impressive performance in Kuala Lumpur, and he showed all the hallmarks of an athlete who is ready for a step-up in competition.

He looked in complete control before submitting the Philippines’ Rodian “The Redeemer” Menchavez early in the second round of their 72-kilogram catch weight mixed martial arts bout.

That win marked the fourth finish out of four bouts for the South Korean featherweight in 2019. With 2020 fast approaching, Yoon could soon find himself competing against some of the division’s top contenders by the end of next year.

#2 “The Sniper” Could Set His Sights On A World Title Shot

After narrowly losing to Petchdam Petchyindee Academy for the inaugural ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Title earlier this year, Elias “The Sniper” Mahmoudi bounced back with a notable victory over the iconic Lerdsila Phuket Top Team.

By defeating the surging Muay Thai legend, the French-Algerian remains one of the most dangerous contenders in the ONE Super Series flyweight division.

Mahmoudi’s striking was impressive as he outworked and out-struck Lerdsila, who came into the bout riding an outstanding four-year win streak.

“The Sniper,” however, looked a cut above his opponent. He earned a unanimous decision victory and proved that he is undoubtedly a World Title contender.

#3 Do Not Underestimate The Newcomers

A pair of first-timers produced memorable displays in their ONE Championship debuts. Bokang “Little Giant” Masunyane and Denice “The Menace Fairtex” Zamboanga both claimed impressive victories in the Malaysian capital.

Masunyane earned a dominant decision win against Ryuto “Dragon Boy” Sawada, as he used his superb wrestling to control the action over the course of three rounds. But it was his solid mix of striking and takedowns that registered the eye-catching debut victory.

Later in the night, Zamboanga scored a unanimous decision win over Malaysian star Jihin “Shadow Cat” Radzuan to keep her perfect record intact. The undefeated Filipina controlled the match wherever it went and showcased her well-rounded skills.

Both athletes tested themselves against accomplished competition and passed with flying colors. Now, each athlete will be worth watching as they continue their respective journeys in The Home Of Martial Arts into 2020.

#4 Tial Thang’s World-Class Coaching Is Paying Off

Myanmar’s “The Dragon Leg” Tial Thang is following in the footsteps of his compatriot and two-division ONE World Champion Aung La “The Burmese Python” N Sang – and he is reaping the benefits.

Tial Thang joined his famous compatriot at Hard Knocks 365 in Florida, USA, where he trains alongside Aung La N Sang and ONE Featherweight World Champion Martin “The Situ-Asian” Nguyen.

Both of his teammates were in his corner as he defeated “The Kid” Kim Woon Kyoum in his bantamweight mixed martial arts clash in Kuala Lumpur.

Tial Thang’s wrestling has always been on point, but he has since added an evolving striking arsenal to his game thanks to Hard Knocks 365 head coach Henri Hooft.

“The Dragon Leg” was already considered a rising star upon his arrival in the world’s largest martial arts organization earlier this year, but now, with an elite team around him, the sky is the limit for the Myanmar athlete.

#5 Sam-A Further Validates You Can Be Elite In Two Sports

Former ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Sam-A Gaiyanghadao tested his elite-level striking in a new martial art at the Axiata Arena, and the legend proved he was up for the challenge.

The man from Thailand defeated “Golden Boy” Wang Junguang after five rounds of breathtaking action in the night’s main event to win the inaugural ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Title.

Despite Wang’s aggressive start, Sam-A countered the Chinese striker’s attacks while on the back foot. He cut through his opponent’s guard with short, sharp, snappy left kicks and punches.

Winning the ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Title not only made the Thai a two-division ONE World Champion, but it also made him a two-sport ONE World Champion.

After ONE Atomweight Kickboxing and Muay Thai World Champion Stamp Fairtex achieved a similar feat, Sam-A showed fans once again that the gap between kickboxing and Muay Thai is narrow enough for an elite athlete from one sport to move across and become a World Champion in the other.

Read more: What Could Be Next For The Big Winners Of ONE: MARK OF GREATNESS?