Meet The Stars Who Will Make Their Debuts At ONE Fight Night 18 On Prime Video
ONE Fight Night 18 on Prime Video will showcase an array of fresh talent in the MMA, Muay Thai, and kickboxing ranks.
While there are plenty of established contenders on the bill at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, fans will also get to see a batch of exciting promotional newcomers grace the ring for the first time in the world’s largest martial arts organization.
Eager to kick off their ONE Championship careers in style, expect these five athletes to give the performances of their lives in front of a U.S. primetime audience this Friday, January 12.
Stefan Korodi
Romania’s Stefan Korodi makes his first promotional appearance in a tough bantamweight Muay Thai clash with Suablack Tor Pran49.
The 29-year-old, who now lives and trains in Dublin, Ireland, brings a 27-4-1 record to Bangkok. That also includes 12 KO victories.
As well as his training at Dublin Combat Academy, Korodi is also a regular at the esteemed PK Saenchai Muaythaigym, where he practices alongside many elite ONE stars – including World Champions Tawanchai PK Saenchai and Prajanchai PK Saenchai.
Although Korodi doesn’t necessarily need any extra motivation for this co-main event showdown, Suablack recently earned his six-figure contract by knocking out the Romanian’s teammate Craig Coakley, so there’s a bit of redemption at stake.
Ali Aliev
Ali Aliev makes his promotional debut on short notice in a lightweight Muay Thai clash against the UK’s Liam Nolan.
The 25-year-old Russian competes out of the renowned Team Mehdi Zatout and brings a solid reputation with him to the global stage.
A 2021 IFMA World Champion, Aliev had a decorated career as an amateur and has transferred that success into the pro ranks with a clean slate so far.
However, this will be his toughest assignment yet, as he’ll be going up against a WBC Muay Thai World Champion who has proven himself with three victories in ONE to date.
Mikhail Abdul-Latif
Mikhail Abdul-Latif enters the heavyweight MMA ranks in a battle with “Mighty Warrior” Kang Ji Won, and he’ll have to lean on his background to stay out of danger.
The 40-year-old American is a BJJ black belt, a former college wrestler, and, interestingly enough, a professional kabaddi player. He possesses brilliant skills in close quarters, which could set him in good stead against the South Korean slugger.
Abdul-Latif brings an unblemished record into the biggest match of his career, and if he can take any cues from Kang’s only two defeats – both via submission – then he has the chance to make a massive first impression.
Yuri Farcas
Former ISKA Kickboxing World Champion Yuri Farcas’ first promotional appearance will be against Beybulat Isaev in a light heavyweight kickboxing clash that has plenty of knockout potential.
Farcas earned his place in the world’s largest martial arts organization by winning a Road To ONE tournament in Europe last year, notching a pair of victories to punch his ticket to the big leagues.
With six wins in his last seven bouts, the Romanian-Italian dynamo has shown impressive stopping power with five knockouts. The 29-year-old will have a tough test against WMC Muay Thai World Champion Isaev, but with momentum on his side, he’ll look to make the most of the opportunity.
Ibragim Dauev
Undefeated Ibragim Dauev gets the biggest test of his young career when he steps into the ring to face Mark “Tyson” Abelardo in a bantamweight MMA showdown.
The 8-0 Russian has a well-rounded skill set, and it has helped lead him to four TKO victories and three submissions.
Dauev is a willing striker who will stand toe-to-toe or launch flying knees at any opportunity. However, he also has a tricky ground game, whether he’s countering an opponent who wants to wrestle or can close the distance on his own terms.
The 22-year-old will be pushed to his limits when he takes on the surging veteran. Fighting Abelardo is a huge task, so Dauev will have to be on his A-game if he wants to clinch a career-best victory.
