Top 5 Highlights From ONE: MARK OF GREATNESS

It was a tremendous year for ONE Championship, and the promotion’s final marquee event of 2019 was topped by a pair of historic ONE Super Series World Title contests in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Friday, 6 December.

ONE: MARK OF GREATNESS lit up the Axiata Arena with an action-packed card that thrilled the fans in attendance, as well as the millions watching around the world.

Before we turn the page to 2020, let’s take a look back at five of the best highlights from an unforgettable evening in the Malaysian capital.

#1 Sam-A Makes History In Style

Former ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Sam-A Gaiyanghadao made history in the main event by capturing the inaugural ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Title.

His opponent, “Golden Boy” Wang Junguang, was a fierce competitor who tested the Thai legend early in the bout with his aggressiveness and power. The Chinese warrior constantly stayed in his face and uncorked boxing combinations with stiff hooks.

In the midst of this, Sam-A’s veteran savvy kicked in and, simply put, his defense was remarkable.

The Thai covered up against the blitzes, angled off the fence when needed, and used superior head movement to lessen the heaviness of the strikes that slipped through. Also, when the legend countered, he landed stinging jabs with accuracy and speed, and his kicks kept Wang honest.

By winning the belt, Sam-A became the first person to hold ONE World Titles in two different sports and weight classes.

#2 Ramazanov’s Ferocious Striking

After 15 minutes of back-and-forth action, Alaverdi “Babyface Killer” Ramazanov got his hand raised and became the first man to wear the ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Championship.

The 25-year-old Russian constantly attacked in the opening two stanzas, but the most significant moment of the match came in the third round.

“Babyface Killer” faked a left teep, and then he immediately smashed “Muay Thai Boy” Zhang Chenglong with a jab-cross, which dropped him for the first — and only — knockdown of the contest.

The Chinese striker realized the impression the knockdown left on the judges, so he turned up the heat in the championship rounds and attacked with big overhands. Ramazanov, though tiring at this point, hung tough with solid defense and picked his shots.

In victory, Ramazanov became the first Russian athlete to win ONE Super Series gold.

#3 Stoica’s Devastating Knockout

Andrei Stoica lived up to his “Mister KO” nickname on Friday, as he put away Anderson “Braddock” Silva in under two minutes.

The 32-year-old Romanian closed out the year on a high note and put a stamp on his case to be a major player for the ONE Light Heavyweight Kickboxing World Championship.

After just missing with heavy left hooks earlier in the bout, Stoica finally found the mark. He wobbled Silva with a left hook, followed him to the fence, and then folded his foe with a missile of a right cross.

“Braddock” answered referee Atsushi Onari’s count, but was clearly too dazed to continue. The bout was immediately waved off, giving “Mister KO” a first-round knockout victory.

#4 McLaren’s Lightning-Quick Submission

Reece “Lightning” McLaren had a battle-tested 2019, but he closed the year by snapping Gurdarshan “Saint Lion” Mangat‘s five-bout win streak with a beautiful submission victory.

With just under a minute to go in the first round, the Australian grappler was in full mount and dropped relentless ground strikes on his foe.

As Mangat attempted to scramble away, McLaren took his back with blistering speed and slipped in the rear-naked choke. Once the squeeze was applied, the tap shortly followed.

#5 Yoon Caps A Phenomenal Rookie Year

“The Big Heart” Yoon Chang Min stated his case for “Breakout Star Of The Year” with a second-round submission victory on Friday. It was the undefeated Korean’s fourth win — as well as his fourth stoppage win — in his perfect rookie year.

Following a dominant opening stanza, Yoon showcased more of his striking in round two. He battered Rodian “The Redeemer” Menchavez with powerful punches and damaging leg kicks, and then he leaped forward with a jumping knee.

With the Filipino hurt and tiring, “The Big Heart” grabbed onto his head and cinched up a ninja choke, which forced his rival to tap out.

Read more: What Could Be Next For The Big Winners Of ONE: MARK OF GREATNESS?