5 Reasons Why Fan Rong Can Be ONE’s Premier Middleweight Contender
“King Kong Warrior” Fan Rong is looking to take another step up the middleweight ladder at ONE: WINTER WARRIORS II, but how much of a threat is he to the division’s upper echelon?
If the Chinese rising star can take our former ONE Middleweight World Champion Vitaly Bigdash at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on Friday, 17 December, every top-ranked athlete should take notice.
Here are five reasons why Fan can improve his 14-2 mixed martial arts record and eventually become the premier middleweight contender in ONE.
#1 He’s Hungry
Fan grew up in poverty in Liaoning, China. His parents struggled to make ends meet and put food on the table, but the youngster’s dedication to martial arts opened up new financial avenues.
These days, the Longyun MMA man wants to use his fighting career to create a better life for his family, and it’s tough to stop somebody who’s committed to providing for their loved ones.
A ONE World Title would change “King Kong Warrior’s” life and offer lasting security, and now that it seems to be within touching distance, he’ll channel the literal hunger into his figurative hunger to succeed.
#2 He’s A Finisher
Since turning pro, Fan has recorded 12 stoppages in 14 total victories for an incredible 86 percent finishing rate.
He’s submitted eight of his rivals and knocked out a further four, with seven of the finishes coming in the very first round.
The Chinese athlete comes out hard and aggressive, and against an opponent like Bigdash – who has not been as active – that intense pressure could pay off.
#3 He’s In Fine Form
Following his latest victory over Yuri Simoes, “King Kong Warrior” has recorded back-to-back wins inside the Circle and nine victories in his last 10 outings.
That kind of run builds confidence and momentum, and it could translate into an even better performance against Bigdash, who’s struggled with recent injuries while winning just once in his last three.
#4 He Can Bounce Back
Fan has shown an ability to bounce back from defeat and return stronger than ever.
After suffering a stoppage loss in his professional debut in 2016, the 28-year-old went on a 12-bout winning streak that earned him a spot in The Home of Martial Arts.
And after a tough loss to future ONE Middleweight World Champion Reinier “The Dutch Knight” de Ridder, “King Kong Warrior” rebounded with two more impressive victories that got him back on track.
It’s clear he learns from his mistakes, too. After getting submitted by grappling specialist De Ridder, Fan utilized a much better game plan to outwork BJJ icon Simoes last time out.
#5 He Has The Full MMA Package
While some opponents can be navigated in obvious ways, Fan is a truly well-rounded mixed martial artist with no glaring gaps in his game.
He has knockout power in his striking, strong wrestling, and a combination of ground-and-pound and submission prowess that can finish fights on the canvas.
If he’s put on his back, “King Kong Warrior” also employs an active guard, and he hasn’t been stopped since his professional debut more than five years ago.
Given that complete skill set and his upward trajectory, Fan has the potential to achieve incredible things on the global stage.
Read more: How To Watch ONE: WINTER WARRIORS II On 17 December
