5 Reasons To Be Excited For Qiu Jianliang’s Massive ONE Debut
“Intelligent Tank” Qiu Jianliang will showcase his incredible striking skills to the world when he makes his ONE Championship bow on Friday, 3 December.
The Chinese superstar is scheduled to face #3-ranked contender Hiroki Akimoto in a bantamweight kickboxing matchup at ONE: WINTER WARRIORS inside the Singapore Indoor Stadium, and he wants to make a strong first impression on the global stage of martial arts.
Here are five reasons fans should be excited to see Qiu perform in one of the most highly anticipated ONE Super Series debuts of recent times.
#1 He’s China’s Top Striker
The Anhui native is China’s greatest active striker, and he’s regarded among insiders as one of the best in the world.
Competing mostly in his homeland, he hasn’t reached an international audience as much as some of his contemporaries, but that will all change in ONE Super Series.
Qiu can quickly prove to be his country’s greatest striking export and push for wider recognition as the top dog against elite opposition inside the Circle.
#2 He’s On An Epic Streak
Qiu is entering The Home of Martial Arts with a massive 18-bout winning streak and 32 victories in his last 33 outings.
That kind of momentum builds huge confidence in a competitor, and it will help bring out the Chinese star’s best when he stands across from Akimoto on 3 December.
Moreover, he’s taken out multiple World Champions during the run, which has prepared him for the difficult ONE Super Series bantamweight ranks.
#3 He Has A Wide-Ranging Skill Set
Qiu’s rivals have a lot to be concerned about when they face off against him due to his well-rounded and potent arsenal.
He’s used these skills to win multiple titles in kickboxing and Muay Thai, and he’s also tested them in both boxing and mixed martial arts.
Offensively, the 31-year-old has a complete tool kit, with powerful boxing, heavy kicks, and an unorthodox array of spinning attacks.
Defensively, he has excellent footwork, head movement, and durability. Plus, he’s never been stopped — making him an even more imposing figure to come up against.
#4 He Can Get Straight Into The World Title Conversation
“Intelligent Tank’s” resume has earned him a huge first bout against the division’s #3-ranked contender.
That means the contest against Akimoto has serious implications for the ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Title picture, and reigning king Capitan Petchyindee Academy will have to pay close attention.
While there’s no guarantee of a shot at gold for the winner, an emphatic performance would go a long way toward staking that claim — and that’s what Qiu will hope to deliver.
#5 He’s Taken Out Huge Names
Though he’s yet to break out globally, Qiu has recorded impressive victories over some legendary opponents.
He stopped three-division Lumpinee Stadium Muay Thai World Champion Sagetdao Petpayathai in just his fourth professional bout, and he holds wins over WMC, WBC, and Rajadamnern Stadium Muay Thai World Champions.
Next, the stacked ONE Super Series ranks will offer up incredible matchups that test “Intelligent Tank” like never before. And it all starts with the showdown against Akimoto on 3 December.
Read more: How To Watch ONE: NEXTGEN III on 26 November
