Top 5 Highlights From ONE: AGE OF DRAGONS

ONE Championship returned to the Chinese capital with an action-packed event that fans will not soon forget.

The promotion held ONE: AGE OF DRAGONS at the Cadillac Arena in Beijing, China, and the 11-bout spectacle featured extraordinary knockouts, stunning defeats, and thrilling back-and-forth action.

Before we look ahead to the next martial arts showcase in Singapore, we reflect on the top five highlights from an unbelievable night in Beijing.

#1 Ennahachi Wins A Competitive Trilogy Bout

Ilias Ennahachi was defending his ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Championship, but it was not against unfamiliar competition.

Although it would be their first meeting under the ONE Championship banner, the Dutchman squared off against local hero Wang “Metal Storm” Wenfeng for the third time.

The two elite martial artists had split the series heading into the main event, and this bout showed just how evenly matched the pair truly is.

Each man utilized a different strategy — Wang applied more heavy pressure to keep his rival on the back foot, whereas Ennahachi unloaded clean counter strikes and snuck forward when the opportunity was presented. That made for a riveting back-and-forth affair.

After five rounds of the seesaw battle, the judges narrowly awarded the split decision to the 23-year-old Dutchman, who is now a perfect 2-0 in The Home Of Martial Arts.

#2 Kryklia Stops “The Tank” To Strike Gold

Roman Kryklia wanted to set the record straight and prove he could defeat his old conqueror Tarik “The Tank” Khbabez. The Ukrainian giant, who fell to “The Tank” in their initial counter via decision back in 2015, accomplished his objective in a major way.

In round two of their light heavyweight clash, Kryklia was able to stop the forward-moving Khbabez in his tracks. The 28-year-old stunned his rival with a head kick just seconds into the period, and he followed with short uppercuts to send his opponent to the canvas.

The Dutch-Moroccan answered the referee’s count, but it seemed like he was on borrowed time.

Kryklia upped the tempo and connected with a knee. He followed with a barrage of rights and lefts, which caused “The Tank” to turn away. The referee stepped in for a standing count, which was answered yet again. However, the Ukrainian instantly came forward with another combination, which caused Khbabez to turn away for the last time.

Not only did Kryklia avenge his decision loss with a second-round TKO, but he also earned the inaugural ONE Light Heavyweight Kickboxing World Title in the process.

#3 Yusupov Shuts Off “The Boxing Computer”

Jamal “Kherow” Yusupov did something no other man has been able to do for the past decade — that is knock out “The Boxing Computer” Yodsanklai IWE Fairtex in Muay Thai competition.

Following a first round that featured a fairly even exchange of jabs and leg kicks, the Russian phenom turned up the heat at the beginning of the second frame.

The 36-year-old stayed in the Thai legend’s face and dropped him with a powerful left cross seconds into the stanza. Yodsanklai returned to his feet, but he was still a bit shaky.

Sensing the end was near, Yusupov swarmed all over the icon with big punches. It was another left that put him down for good.

#4 Meng Delivers A One-Punch Knockout

Chinese atomweight star Meng Bo gave the local crowd something to cheer about with an epic one-punch knockout.

She showcased her diverse skillset in the early going, but when Laura “La Gladiadora” Balin moved forward and applied pressure with her strikes, Meng had the perfect response.

The 23-year-old connected with a beautiful right hand on the button to drop the Argentinian. She followed up with ground punches for good measure, but the referee quickly waved off the bout and awarded the victory to the home favorite.

#5 Miado Halts Opponent With Jumping Knee

The first bout of the main card set a blistering pace, as the Philippines’ Jeremy “The Jaguar” Miado recorded another highlight-reel finish.

In the opening moments of the contest, Chinese strawweight contender Miao Li Tao looked to end things quickly with his heavy hands, grappling, and standing guillotine choke attempts.

Following a wild exchange, however, Miado saw his opening. The 26-year-old stepped back, measured Miao, and landed a perfect jumping knee to the chin, which instantly sent his opponent to the canvas and turned off his lights.