Michael Schiavello's 2018 Highlights – The Incredible Performances

As we enter a new year, it is time for one final look back at some of the best action from 2018, as selected by possibly the world’s biggest martial arts fan – “The Voice” Michael Schiavello.

The ONE Championship play-by-play commentator has been up close at cageside for every second of action in The Home Of Martial Arts over the past 12 months, and seen some incredible moments.

Following his picks for his favorite knockouts, submissions, and matches with his partner in the booth, Mitch Chilson, Schiavello has selected the performances that thrilled him most last year.

From virtuoso displays to surprise stoppages, here are “The Voice’s” best bits.

Xiong Jing Nan‘s Overwhelming Attack

The first Chinese mixed martial arts World Champion was crowned when “The Panda” Xiong Jing Nan captured the ONE Women’s Strawweight World Title at ONE: KINGS OF COURAGE.

It was one thing to make history for her nation on the global stage of martial arts, but the way Xiong dismantled Tiffany “No Chill” Teo made it unforgettable.

“She put together a striking display that was absolutely ferocious,” says Schiavello.

“Xiong Jing Nan signaled to the watching world that the age of China was upon us in ONE Championship.”

Rodtang’s Whirlwind Of Offense

As far as first impressions go, it is hard to beat Rodtang “Iron Man” Jitmungnon’s effort at ONE: CONQUEST OF HEROES.

The 21-year-old phenom burst into the Home Of Martial arts with a tornado of attacking fervor, and the fact he was up against a world-class competitor in Sergio “Samurai” Wielzen made no difference as he powered he way to a unanimous decision.

“As resilient as Sergio is, he just couldn’t stand up to the continual relentless attacks of Rodtang,” says “The Voice.”

“Watch Rodtang in 2019, because that young man is absolute dynamite.”

Alaverdi Ramazanov‘s Bangkok Shutdown

Few people other than the most hard-core Muay Thai fans knew who Alaverdi Ramazanov was before his October 2018 debut in the world’s largest martial arts organization, but they do now.

At ONE: KINGDOM OF HEROES the young Russian stepped in against the decorated Petchmorrakot Petchyindee Academy in his native Bangkok, and authored a superb display that stunned the passionate Thai fans.

“He goes toe-to-toe with Petchmorrakot with the knees, with the clinching, with the hands, with the legs, and doesn’t take a backward step… Ramazanov pulled off one of the shocks of the year,” Schiavello explains.

Shinya Aoki‘s Tremendous Triple

Shinya “Tobikan Judan” Aoki was so good last year, it is impossible to pick just one of his wins as the best. The Japanese icon took out Rasul Yakhyaev, Shannon Wiratchai, and Ev Ting in the first round to earn a shot at the ONE Lightweight World Title.

“The fuel tank was refueled, then the inner fire was reignited, and Shinya Aoki goes on this magnificent three-match tear that is like the Aoki of old,” says Schiavello.

“Shinya Aoki in 2018 was a revelation. Shinya Aoki in 2018 was a martial arts monster. Shinya Aoki in 2018 was the supreme submission machine.”

Jeremy Miado‘s Stunning Knockout

Jeremy “The Jaguar” Miado’s first-round knockout of Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke at ONE: IRON WILL was unquestionably ONE Championship’s Surprise Of The Year 2018.

It was a result so stunning, even “The Voice” did not know what to say.

“I’m a man who’s never short of a word. I’m never lost for speech, but at that moment, when Miado knocked out the former multiple Muay Thai World Champion and the former ONE Strawweight World Champion, nothing came out of my mouth,” he admits.

“It was just mouth agape, stupid stare on my face.”

Giorgio Petrosyan‘s Kickboxing Clinic

If you want to see the most outstanding display of martial arts of 2018, look no further than this effort from ONE: HEART OF THE LION.

Giorgio “The Doctor” Petrosyan’s dismantling of Sorgraw Petchyindee Academy was the deserving winner of the award for ONE Championship’s 2018 Performance Of The Year.

“That is the match they should show students when they first start kickboxing to say, ‘Hey, this is the sport performed at its most elite level,'” Schiavello says.

“It was kickboxing perfection.”