5 Reasons To Watch The ‘ONE On TNT I’ Main Card
ONE Championship is ready to make its 2021 debut on United States prime-time television.
This Wednesday, 7 April, the world’s largest martial arts organization will air “ONE on TNT I” and as Rich Franklin mentioned, North American fans will be hooked by the action.
The main card is highlighted by three explosive bouts, all of which feature athletes looking to build on their respective legacies, win World Title gold, earn a World Championship opportunity, or shock their iconic foes.
With that said, here are five of the many reasons why you must watch the “ONE on TNT I” main card.
#1 The Biggest Flyweight Match In History
Fans will be treated to the biggest flyweight matchup in mixed martial arts history when ONE Flyweight World Champion Adriano “Mikinho” Moraes defends his gold against the fighter many consider to be the greatest mixed martial artist of all time – Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson.
Johnson spent the first decade of his career establishing his legacy in North America’s biggest organization, where he became a 12-time Flyweight World Champion.
Then, “Mighty Mouse” joined The Home Of Martial Arts and defeated three top athletes to win the ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix Championship. Not only did he get the tournament’s silver belt, but he also earned the #1-ranked contender designation and a crack at Moraes’ gold.
Moraes, however, may be the one to defeat “Mighty Mouse” and put a dent in his legacy. After all, the Brazilian is the most dominant flyweight in ONE history.
The Brasília native holds many flyweight records in the promotion, including most submissions (6), most finishes (6), and most World Title victories (6). He’s also tied with Gianni Subba and Danny “The King” Kingad for most divisional wins (9).
This is an iconic battle between the best of the west and the best of the east, and the winner will truly be the “Flyweight GOAT.”
#2 Alvarez Continues His March Toward Greatness
Eddie “The Underground King” Alvarez will continue his march toward greatness when he faces #2-ranked lightweight Iuri Lapicus in the co-main event of the evening.
The Philadelphia native is a true legend in every sense of the word.
Alvarez has claimed the World Title in North America’s biggest mixed martial arts organizations, and he dreams of winning the ONE Lightweight World Championship. By doing so, he would be the only person to hold belts in the world’s three largest promotions in the current landscape.
By defeating Lapicus on U.S. prime-time television, “The Underground King” would inch closer toward that goal and undoubtedly earn a spot in ONE’s Athlete Rankings.
- Danny Kingad Breaks Down Moraes-DJ World Title Showdown
- Whether MMA Or Investing, Eddie Alvarez Turns Passion Into Success
- 5 Reasons Why Adriano Moraes Can Defeat Demetrious Johnson
#3 Will Lapicus End Alvarez’s Career?
Lapicus is on the comeback trail.
The previously unbeaten Moldovan bulldozed his way to a ONE Lightweight World Title bout, winning 14 consecutive matchups, all via knockout or submission. And while he came seemingly close to shutting off ONE Lightweight World Champion Christian “The Warrior” Lee’s lights, the divisional kingpin weathered the storm and handed the 25-year-old his first professional loss.
Now, Lapicus finds himself in an interesting spot.
In his first match since that defeat, the Team Petrosyan representative will be standing across the Circle from Alvarez, a living legend who the Moldovan grew up watching. To make matters even more intense, a victory is crucial if he wants to smash his way back into the World Title picture.
On Wednesday, the world will find out how Lapicus responds to a loss. Will his recent misfortune mess with his psyche and send him on a skid, or will he bounce back and indeed end the American’s career like he claimed he would months ago?
#4 America, Meet ‘The Iron Man’
In addition to those thrilling mixed martial arts bouts, North American fans will get to see Muay Thai’s most dangerous fighter, Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon.
Rodtang is a Thai megastar known for his brute force, forward-pressure style, and granite chin. He has used all of that to win all nine of his bouts in ONE, claim the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title, and begin his quest toward kickboxing gold.
Although mixed martial arts appears to be the combat sport of choice for American viewers, their minds may be changed once they see “The Iron Man” unload his devastating punches in Muay Thai wearing 4-ounce mixed martial arts gloves.
“Mini T” Danial Williams will be the man looking to spoil Rodtang’s big premiere to the U.S. audience, but either way, fans will get to see two men exchanging hard blows for however long this catch weight fight lasts.
#5 The Beginning Of A Historic Event Series
This show marks the first edition of the “ONE on TNT” series, with three more explosive installments to follow every Wednesday night in April.
“ONE on TNT I” will undoubtedly set the tone for what will be a thrilling month, so get your Scooby Snacks, sit back, and enjoy the ride.
Read more: Danial Williams Not Scared Of Rodtang: ‘He’s Only Human’
