Breaking Down The Lead Card Of ONE 164: Pacio vs. Brooks
Topped by a long-awaited World Title showdown, fans of top-tier martial arts are salivating over the final ONE Championship event of 2022 – that, of course, being ONE 164: Pacio vs. Brooks.
But beyond the sensational main event and high-stakes bouts that will populate the main card on Saturday, December 3, the lead card is stacked with compelling matchups designed to produce fireworks.
Featuring both Muay Thai and MMA at the highest level, ONE 164’s lead card is sure to deliver action, keeping fans glued to their seats from the very beginning.
Here, we take a closer look at the opening bouts scheduled for the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines.
Tagir Khalilov Vs. Chorfah Tor.Sangtiennoi
In the headline fight of the lead card, Russian striker Tagir Khalilov hopes to give a rude welcome to promotional newcomer Chorfah Tor.Sangtiennoi in their flyweight Muay Thai battle.
Despite a pair of strong outings, Khalilov is still in search of his first ONE Championship victory.
Known for his unique, forward-moving combinations and deep gas tank, “Samingpri” has displayed all the tools needed to contest for a World Title – even pushing ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon to a split decision in their kickboxing match last year.
A well-respected veteran of the Muay Thai scene, Chorfah will pair serious power with his traditional approach to striking, making for an interesting clash of styles.
Adonis Sevilleno Vs. Drex Zamboanga
The lead card will also see the return of Drex “T-Rex” Zamboanga, who welcomes ONE Warrior Series: Philippines winner Adonis Sevilleno to the global stage.
Sevilleno stood out during his time on ONE Warrior Series: Philippines because of his strength, conditioning, and endurance. And during the sparring sessions, Team Lakay’s coaches described him as “someone with very good hands who can mix his boxing with takedowns.”
But the Team Lakay product will certainly have his work cut out for him against Zamboanga, who has tremendously more experience and finds himself on a three-bout winning streak.
Moreover, “T-Rex” is a well-rounded fighter. He displayed his durability and grappling prowess in a comeback submission victory over Detchadin Sornsirisuphathin in a flyweight tilt, and then he recently moved up three weight classes and knocked out Rahul Raju in 65 seconds.
If Sevilleno can halt his surging compatriot’s momentum, then it would undoubtedly prove that he is the real deal.
Lara Fernandez Vs. Dangkongfah Banchamek
Talented strikers Lara Fernandez and Dangkongfah Banchamek will clash in an atomweight Muay Thai bout that could provide a peek into the future of the sport.
A former WBC Muay Thai World Champion, Fernandez showed incredible grit in her promotional debut – a hard-fought decision loss to Janet Todd for the ONE Interim Atomweight Muay Thai World Title.
Similarly, 21-year-old prodigy Dangkongfah struggled in her ONE Championship debut, dropping a decision to all-time great Anissa Meksen.
Both women have the skills and proven track record of toughness to make waves in Muay Thai for years to come. And because both of them love to fight at an absurd pace, this battle has the makings of a firefight.
Jasur Mirzamukhamedov Vs. Oumar Kane
More than 500 pounds of combined weight will crash together in a heavyweight MMA bout that’s unlikely to reach the judges’ scorecards.
Feared for his crushing strength and thunderous power, “Reug Reug” Oumar Kane is a worldwide fan favorite. The Senegalese Wrestling Champion is now ready for the stiffest test of his career when he battles undefeated Uzbekistani standout Jasur Mirzamukhamedov.
“Reug Reug” is a powerhouse in every sense of the word, using his prodigious strength to deliver fight-ending punches on the feet or apply bone-snapping submissions on the ground.
However, “White Tiger” hopes to derail that hype train.
With his equally massive frame and all-around skills, Mirzamukhamedov is not only looking to secure a huge victory over a global superstar but also to work his way toward heavyweight gold.
Jenelyn Olsim Vs. Meng Bo
The evening will start with a bang when respected veterans Jenelyn Olsim and Meng Bo square off in a fun strawweight MMA fight.
A winner of three of her last four appearances, Olsim is a crafty striker with surprisingly strong wrestling and grappling skills. Plus, she’ll be supported by an enthusiastic home crowd in Manila.
Across from her will stand Meng. The Tiger Wang Gym representative is a technical and powerful boxer who’s also shown flashes of an effective ground game.
With two women who are comfortable attacking in every position, this bout promises high-paced action for as long as it lasts.
