What Could Be Next For The Big Winners Of ONE: NO SURRENDER?
ONE Championship delivered one of the best striking cards of 2020 to the global fan base on Friday, 31 July.
That evening, the world’s largest martial arts organization held ONE: NO SURRENDER in Bangkok, Thailand, and the six-card event lived up to the hype.
There were two incredible finishes in the mixed martial arts matches, while the three Muay Thai bouts and the single kickboxing contest were entertaining from beginning to end.
Now, with the first of 10 announced flagship events in the books, we take a look into the crystal ball and predict what could be coming for some of Friday’s big winners.
Superlek Kiatmoo9
Superek “The Kicking Machine” Kiatmoo9 truly looked like a machine in his bout with longtime rival “The Angel Warrior” Panpayak Jitmuangnon.
He fearlessly plowed forward with kicks and punches, seemingly never worrying about what his opponent was going to throw. Because of that, Superlek gained redemption after three straight losses to his compatriot and earned the unanimous decision victory.
By defeating the #1-ranked Muay Thai flyweight contender, it stands to reason that Superlek will slide into the top spot. If that’s indeed the case, he would present an intriguing challenge for Panpayak’s teammate and the division’s reigning king, Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon.
While the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion loves to march forward and throw his low kicks, he also enjoys unleashing powerful punches through the 4-ounce mixed martial arts gloves – a trait that’s made him a superstar in ONE Super Series.
With similar aggressive styles and a shared desire to never take a backward step, a meeting between Superlek and Rodtang would have “Fight Of The Year” potential.
Stamp Fairtex
ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Champion Stamp Fairtex continued her undefeated run in mixed martial arts by battering compatriot Sunisa “Thunderstorm” Srisen en route to a first-round TKO.
The Thai megastar punished Srisen in the clinch with knees to the stomach, landed a takedown, took the youngster’s back, and then rained down punches until the referee had seen enough.
Stamp has yet to be truly threatened in mixed martial arts, but perhaps she could receive a stern test from Jihin “Shadow Cat” Radzuan.
The young Malaysian sensation is a Wushu World Champion and a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, so she has the stand-up arsenal to contend with the organization’s premier female striker – along with the grappling to present danger on the ground.
Should the Fairtex representative get past “Shadow Cat,” she could perhaps sneak her way into the division’s top five contenders.
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Fabricio Andrade
The global fan base was not too familiar with Fabricio “Wonder Boy” Andrade when he stepped through the ropes for his promotional debut, but he made sure everyone knew his name by the time he exited.
On Friday, the Brazilian striker stood tall, brilliantly countered Mark “Tyson” Fairtex Abelardo during their 67-kilogram catchweight bout, and shocked everyone when he submitted the Filipino-Kiwi star in the second frame.
The Brazilian and South American Muay Thai Champion may have surprised folks with his submission skills, but fans will be eager to see more of his stand-up repertoire. With that in mind, perhaps South Korean knockout artist “Pretty Boy” Kwon Won Il could help Andrade showcase more of that skill set.
Kwon, a striking specialist, has produced electric showings in both the bantamweight and featherweight divisions, and he owns a trio of rapid-fire TKO victories over the likes of Anthony “The Archangel” Engelen, Eric “The Natural” Kelly, and “The Terminator” Sunoto.
A bout with another tall, lanky striker like Andrade would guarantee fireworks for as long as it lasts.
Superbon
Superbon had a ONE Championship debut to remember.
The Thai warrior defeated his longtime rival, Sitthichai “Killer Kid” Sitsongpeenong, in their trilogy bout to win the feud, make a strong first impression on ONE’s global fan base, and reaffirm his #2-ranked contender spot in the featherweight kickboxing rankings.
After defeating another highly-revered kickboxer, it makes sense for Superbon to put his skills to the ultimate test and challenge for the #1 spot – a position currently held by none other than ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Grand Prix Champion Giorgio “The Doctor” Petrosyan.
Petrosyan’s beautiful counterstriking, marvelous defense, and pinpoint accuracy have been too much for practically every man who’s stood across from him in the ring.
However, the speed and aggressiveness of Superbon could test the Armenian-Italian and would also present a fresh, dangerous match-up for “The Doctor.”
Meanwhile, the winner of that battle would undoubtedly prove themself to be the greatest pound-for-pound kickboxer on the planet.
Read more: ONE: NO SURRENDER – Full Results And Highlights For Rodtang Vs. Petchdam
