5 Reasons Why You Can’t Miss ONE: KING OF THE JUNGLE

This coming Friday, 28 February, ONE Championship returns to “The Lion City” with an explosive blockbuster showcase that is guaranteed to ignite fans all across the globe.

The world’s largest martial arts organization brings ONE: KING OF THE JUNGLE to the Singapore Indoor Stadium, and the card is set to feature an assortment of local heroes, international superstars, and martial arts legends.

What’s more, a pair of thrilling ONE Super Series World Title matches will top the 11-bout mega event.

The stage is set for an exciting night in Singapore, but if you need an extra nudge ahead of Friday’s slate, then here are five reasons why you can’t miss ONE: KING OF THE JUNGLE.

#1 An Exciting World Title Rematch

Just one year removed from their initial encounter, two-sport ONE World Champion Stamp Fairtex and Janet “JT” Todd will meet in Singapore once again – except this time, it is for the Thai superstar’s kickboxing belt.

In their previous meeting, Stamp overwhelmed the American throughout the course of five rounds with her counter strikes, her right cross, and her clinch knees to earn a unanimous decision victory. Also, she claimed the inaugural ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Title in the process.

Ever since that battle, however, both athletes have been unstoppable in the Circle.

The Fairtex representative made a successful defense against Alma Juniku, and then she racked up three consecutive victories in mixed martial arts competition.

Conversely, “JT” went on a three-bout win streak, which included a second-round TKO of Wang Chin Long in kickboxing rules, a majority decision victory over former ONE Atomweight Kickboxing World Champion “Killer Bee” Chuang Kai Ting, and a highlight-reel head kick knockout of Ekaterina “Barbie” Vandaryeva.

Each competitor brings momentum into the World Title main event and, with the match being contested under kickboxing rules, fans should expect a compelling sequel.

#2 The Inaugural ONE Strawweight Muay Thai World Title

A new belt will be awarded at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, as Sam-A Gaiyanghadao challenges Rocky Ogden for the inaugural ONE Strawweight Muay Thai World Title in the co-main event.

Sam-A originally reigned as the first-ever ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion when he won the gold via knockout in May 2018. Though he lost the strap a year later, the 36-year-old moved down a division to compete in his natural weight class, switched sports, and ultimately earned the inaugural ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Title last December.

Now, for an unprecedented third time, he could become the first-ever titleholder of yet another ONE Super Series belt.

However, standing in his way is Ogden. The 20-year-old is a WPMF Muay Thai World Champion who trains under the guidance of John Wayne Parr and has spent some of his teenage years competing in Bangkok’s famed stadium circuit.

The Australian phenom may not have the experience advantage, but he believes his youth and speed could be the ticket to him defeating one of the sport’s most revered legends.

History is guaranteed, but the direction of it is not. The decorated Thai can hoist another World Title, or the enthusiastic Aussie can usher in a new era. The unknowns of the match-up make for an incredible, can’t-miss ONE Strawweight Muay Thai World Title affair.

#3 Akiyama Graces The Circle

Japanese-South Korean mixed martial arts legend Yoshihiro “Sexy Yama” Akiyama will make his return to the global stage on Friday.

The charismatic K-1 HERO’s Light Heavyweight Grand Prix Tournament Champion is always a must-see attraction, and that will not change when he brings his elite talents to the Circle for his bout against Egyptian phenom Sherif “The Shark” Mohamed.

Mohamed, who previously held the EFC Light Heavyweight Title in his homeland, now competes in the welterweight division. The Cairo native comes from a wrestling and kickboxing background, and he is confident he can finish the legend inside two rounds.

Both men possess formidable grappling and striking skills, and each athlete wants to earn his first victory in The Home Of Martial Arts.

That, along with a chance to move closer to a ONE Welterweight World Title opportunity, will motivate these two martial artists to give it their all in “The Lion City.”

#4 A Women’s Strawweight World Title Eliminator

ONE Women’s Strawweight World Champion “The Panda” Xiong Jing Nan will have her eyes locked on the main card battle between Tiffany “No Chill” Teo and Ayaka Miura, as the winner will become the next opponent for the Chinese hero’s belt.

After falling to Xiong in January 2018 in the inaugural ONE Women’s Strawweight World Title match, Teo bounced back by defeating eight-time Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Champion Michelle Nicolini via unanimous decision.

The Singaporean hopes she can claim victory in her hometown once again, but to do so, she will need to defeat Miura, who has been invincible ever since she arrived in The Home Of Martial Arts one year ago.

Miura is riding a six-bout win streak, and she has won all three of her bouts in ONE Championship with the same technique – a scarf hold Americana.

Despite that, Teo remains fearless of her Japanese opponent’s submission prowess. That, along with Miura’s recent dominance, adds another layer of intrigue to this number one contender’s bout.

#5 Phogat’s Second Mixed Martial Arts Bout

Famed wrestler Ritu “The Indian Tigress” Phogat is ready to take the next step in her mixed martial arts journey.

The Evolve representative made her professional debut at ONE: AGE OF DRAGONS last November and earned a first-round TKO victory against Nam Hee Kim.

On Friday, she intends to build upon that win and display her ever-growing skill set when she faces “Miss Red” Wu Chiao Chen, who is a Chinese Taipei mixed martial arts champion.

Phogat has already set lofty expectations for her career, as she previously stated her desire to become India’s first mixed martial arts World Champion.

In Singapore, everyone gets their next glimpse at the wrestling star’s evolution.