Deep Dive: Yoon Chang Min Vs. Ma Jia Wen
The featherweight mixed martial arts clash between “Cannon” Ma Jia Wen and “The Big Heart” Yoon Chang Min might just steal the show at ONE: FULL BLAST II.
Airing this Friday, 11 June, the bout pits two hard-hitting sluggers with similar skill sets against one another in a pivotal matchup for their respective career trajectories.
Check out where Ma’s and Yoon’s strengths lie, and why this has all the makings of a thriller at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
Ma’s One-Gear Striking
Ma’s striking is based around explosive blasts that almost always come with knockout intent. The Chinese athlete rarely probes with lighter shots, instead opting to walk his opponents down and launch full-fledged attacks when he sees an opening.
However, he will often feint to gauge his foe’s reaction and create openings before throwing his heavy leather in their direction.
Though “Cannon” does possess some fast high kicks, he prefers to work with his hands – mostly the overhand right and left hook, which both carry serious firepower.
Yoon’s Boxing Repertoire
Yoon will not back down from a striking battle. Due to his boxing background — which includes some success in the amateur ranks — the South Korean owns a sharp jab and a concussive right cross.
He will sting his rivals down the middle and then step in to throw hard right uppercuts, with the change of angle often paying dividends.
If Ma loops his shots, “The Big Heart” could beat him down the pipe and then counter aggressive bursts by launching his right hand up through the middle.
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Ma’s Wrestling Pedigree
Despite his propensity to stand and strike in the Circle, “Cannon” is an accomplished wrestler with an incredible 68-3 record and a Chinese National Freestyle Wrestling Silver Medal to his credit.
If things go awry in the striking exchanges, he can employ his bread-and-butter wrestling techniques to try and swing the momentum in his favor.
With a 100 percent success ratio with takedown attempts in his last seven bouts, it’s clearly an effective weapon — especially if the Tianjin native’s rival gets too comfortable standing and forgets about his other attributes.
Yoon’s Solid Takedown Defense
Though he has not faced someone with Ma’s level of wrestling yet, “The Big Heart” is adept at keeping the contest on the feet.
The Team Stungun man owns great balance and a rapid sprawl – and there is another element that “Cannon” will need to be aware of.
Against Rodian “The Redeemer” Menchavez, Yoon effortlessly stayed on his feet when his foe worked in for a takedown, and he then ensnared the Filipino in a powerful modified guillotine choke from the front headlock.
If Ma shoots and doesn’t find the entry he wants, he will be in danger.
The Battle For Top Position
If the bout does move into the grappling range, the biggest factor will be which athlete can get and maintain top position.
Both men have punishing top games and use heavy ground-and-pound to secure advantages.
Once he’s worked to an ideal position, Yoon will chip away with punches, elbows, and knees until he can take the back, while Ma is more likely to strike his way to a TKO on the ground — though he does have submissions in his locker.
Either way, neither man will want to stay underneath for any extended period. This element could be crucial if the fight is close on the feet and they need to search for other options.
Read more: 4 Reasons To Watch ONE: FULL BLAST II
