5 Reasons To Watch The Historic ONE: EMPOWER On 3 September
ONE Championship is ready to host its first all-women’s event, and every athlete on the card will be motivated to deliver the performance of a lifetime.
This Friday, 3 September, the world’s best female martial artists will enter the Circle at ONE: EMPOWER, which features everything from a World Title main event to the biggest women’s tournament in mixed martial arts history.
With so much on the line, there’s no shortage of reasons to watch the historic show, and we’ve picked out five of the best ones here.
#1 ONE Women’s Strawweight World Title Bout
“The Panda” Xiong Jing Nan has ruled the women’s strawweight division with an iron fist.
Xiong claimed the inaugural ONE Women’s Strawweight World Title with a brilliant fourth-round TKO in January 2018, and she’s successfully defended the gold four times.
But for the Chinese knockout artist’s fifth defense, she will meet #2-ranked Michelle Nicolini, who seems like the perfect foil.
Nicolini is a 13-time Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Champion, so her grappling and overall ground game could create big problems for “The Panda.”
In fact, with the exception of atomweight queen “Unstoppable” Angela Lee, the Brazilian has earned every career victory via submission.
This is the ultimate styles clash, as the division’s best striker goes up against the greatest submission wizard in the weight class.
#2 The Top Pound-For-Pound Female Striker Debuts
Anissa “C18” Meksen is finally set to make her highly anticipated debut on the global stage.
The French superstar is widely regarded as the best pound-for-pound female striker in the world, and for good reason. Meksen holds a jaw-dropping 100-5 professional record, and she is a seven-time Muay Thai and Kickboxing World Champion.
On Friday, “C18” will put her dazzling reputation on the line when she meets fellow promotional newcomer Cristina Morales, a three-time Kickboxing World Champion who possesses a 48-7 record.
Meksen would love nothing more than to make a statement in her first promotional appearance and then challenge ONE Atomweight Kickboxing World Champion Janet “JT” Todd and ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Champion Allycia Hellen Rodrigues for their belts.
But if Morales can stun the seemingly invincible French superstar, she would be considered a front-runner for the next title opportunity.
- Hirata Believes Youthfulness Will Lead Her To Grand Prix Title
- Top-Ranked Zamboanga Ready For Showdown With Ham In Atomweight GP
- Michelle Nicolini: Xiong Jing Nan Can’t Handle My Ground Game
#3 The Entire Atomweight World Grand Prix Quarterfinals
Fans have been waiting for the ONE Women’s Atomweight World Grand Prix ever since ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong first announced it in October.
On Friday, the wait will finally be over, as the entire quarterfinal round of the historic tournament will take place on the main card.
Fans will witness #1-ranked Denice “Lycan Queen” Zamboanga welcome #5-ranked “Arale Chan” Seo Hee Ham to ONE Championship, #2-ranked Meng Bo meet wrestling sensation Ritu “The Indian Tigress” Phogat, and undefeated Japanese phenom Itsuki “Android 18” Hirata collide with American star Alyse “Lil’ Savage” Anderson.
Plus, the global fan base will see a fourth quarterfinal bout that’s loaded with tons of drama.
#4 The Rematch Everyone’s Been Waiting For
All of the bouts in the World Grand Prix are filled with interesting storylines, but there is a certain grudge match that’s captured everyone’s attention.
Former atomweight kickboxing and Muay Thai queen Stamp Fairtex – who is currently the #4-ranked atomweight mixed martial artist – suffered her only MMA loss at the hands of #3-ranked Alyona Rassohyna.
The Thai megastar appeared to be winning that fight, but the Ukrainian locked up a guillotine choke in the waning moments, and referee Olivier Coste saw Stamp tap her European rival’s shoulder. As a result, the ref called off the contest with just seven seconds remaining.
Stamp, however, has repeatedly insisted that she did not tap out and that she was reaching for her opponent’s face to break the submission hold.
That controversial tap has led to a high-stakes rematch in the opening round of the World Grand Prix. Stamp will get her shot at redemption, while Rassohyna will look to prove that her last victory was no fluke.
#5 Buntan Looks To Continue Flawless 2021
Since making her promotional debut earlier this year, Jackie Buntan has been spectacular on the global stage.
First, the Filipina-American stunned the Muay Thai world when she decimated rising star Wondergirl Fairtex in February, and she then eked out a split-decision victory over Ekaterina “Barbie” Vandaryeva.
At ONE: EMPOWER, the strawweight will look to continue her brilliant 2021 and score the hat trick in the lead card’s headlining bout.
Standing in her way is Daniela Lopez, the twin sister of #5-ranked atomweight Muay Thai contender Milagros Lopez.
If the Argentine can blemish Buntan’s perfect 2021, then she will become the person to beat in the women’s strawweight Muay Thai division.
Read more: 5 Brilliant Finishes From The Female Stars Competing At ONE: EMPOWER
