Nov 13, 2019

5 Reasons Why You Can’t Miss ONE: AGE OF DRAGONS

ONE Championship will reach the halfway point of its November to remember with the second of three back-to-back events this Saturday, 16 November.

Even though there is a trio of events crammed into the space of just two weeks, there is no compromise on quality from The Home Of Martial Arts, which will deliver another stacked bout card to the Cadillac Arena in Beijing, China.

These are just five of the reasons why any combat fan would be well-advised to book a spot on their couch and check out the action at the weekend.

#1 Headline World Title Rubber Match

The top two flyweight kickboxers on Earth will go to war at the top of the bill with ONE Super Series gold on the line.

Ilias “Tweety” Ennahachi claimed the ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Title with a stunning performance in his promotional debut in August, and he will return to make his first defense in Beijing against “Metal Storm” Wang Wenfeng.

This contest will carry even more significance for these two men because they will come into it with one win apiece against each other. If their last match is anything to go by, their trilogy bout will be a sight to behold with two extra rounds to be contested.

With the chance to settle the score and prove who is the superior athlete once and for all, you can guarantee this will be an unforgettable clash.

#2 Heavy Hitters’ Historic Co-Feature

Tarik “The Tank” Khbabez has been one of the top performers on the global stage for the past 18 months as he has surged to four wins thanks to a fearless, all-out offensive style.

His reward is the chance to claim the inaugural ONE Light Heavyweight World Title, but he will have to overcome a dangerous rival to wrap the belt around his waist.

The Dutch-Moroccan will battle Ukraine’s Roman Kryklia for the second time in the co-main event, and though he has a decision win over him from 2015, he knows not to expect an easy ride against a man whose size and technical style provide a fascinating contrast to his aggression.

Be prepared for two giants to clash and exchange some seriously heavy leather.

#3 A Legend Returns

Muay Thai fans have been starved of one of their sport’s greatest athletes for six months, but “The Boxing Computer” Yodsanklai IWE Fairtex will finally return to the ring at ONE: AGE OF DRAGONS.

Since he arrived on the global stage, the Thai superstar has already authored two spectacular knockouts, as well as contenders for the bout of the year for both 2018 and 2019, so you can expect more thrills from him when he steps over the ropes again.

He will come armed with his usual arsenal of offense – including his famous left roundhouse and power punches that will be made more potent by 4-ounce gloves – but his opponent, Russian veteran Jamal “Kherow” Yusupov, will be a tough nut to crack.

#4 India’s Next Great Hope Debuts

India’s entire mixed martial arts community will be watching when Ritu “The Indian Tigress” Phogat makes her first foray into her new sport.

Like her sisters, the 25-year-old has already had a successful wrestling career, but she has decided to carve her own path on the global stage, and she will debut on the main card in China.

She has honed her skills at the famous Evolve gym in Singapore, but she will still be up against it at the Cadillac Arena as she goes to battle with “Captain Marvel” Nam Hee Kim.

The South Korean has trained kickboxing and jiu-jitsu for three years – far longer than Phogat – and is fresh off a win in her professional debut in August. However, her experience could count for little if she is put on her back by an exceptional grappler who will come with a ton of new tools.

#5 A Stacked Undercard

ONE: AGE OF DRAGONS is so stacked, the featured prelim bout could headline most other events.

Jorina “Jojo” Baars has done it all in Muay Thai and kickboxing as a multiple-time World Champion with an undefeated 43-0-3 record – except compete in the world’s largest martial arts organization. She will take the next big step in her career when she faces rising young star Christina Breuer in a featherweight contest.

Plus, China’s Meng Bo will lead a talented group of homegrown mixed martial artists when she makes her long-awaited ONE debut against Laura “La Gladiadora” Balin, and plenty more top-class athletes from around the world are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat from the first bell to the last.