What's At Stake For The Heroes Of ONE: DESTINY OF CHAMPIONS

ONE: DESTINY OF CHAMPIONS will serve as the grand finale in a groundbreaking year for the world’s largest martial arts organization.

Over the past 12 months, ONE Championship has increased its size and scope, introduced new superstars, and been a platform for the best martial artists in the world.

Friday, 7 December will showcase this for one last time in 2018, as 26 of the finest combat athletes descend on the Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

In the evening’s main event, Thai legend “The Hero” Yodsanklai IWE Fairtex takes on Australia’s Luis “Soot Raaeng Geert” Regis in a battle between two elite strikers. They will be joined by a strong Malaysian contingent, which is keen to put on a show in front of their home crowd.

The stakes are incredibly high for all involved.

Gold Awaits For Yodsanklai If He Passes Regis Test

One of the most revered Muay Thai competitors of all time returns to the cage as two-division Lumpinee Stadium Muay Thai World Champion Yodsanklai IWE Fairtex (200-71-4) aims to build on his debut ONE victory over Chris Ngimbi in May and put himself in title contention.

Luis Regis (25-6-1) makes his debut in The Home Of Martial Arts in the biggest contest of his career to date, and the top of the bill featherweight Muay Thai encounter will open up fresh opportunities for the Brazilian-born athlete.

Fairtex Gym’s Yodsanklai is known as “The Boxing Computer” for his cerebral approach to combat, combined with bout-ending power. Regis is a technical, calm opponent, who can also deliver a KO blow at any point.

Stylistically, it is a great battle, and the ramifications of the result will also be huge. Yodsanklai wants the ONE gold, and he needs a victory to stay in pole position for a marquee match with competitors like Giorgio “The Doctor” Petrosyan and “Smokin” Jo Nattawut. If Regis could topple a legend, he would announce himself to the world as a threat to the top order.

Jihin Can Reach New Heights Against Former Title Challenger

Jihin “Shadow Cat” Radzuan (3-0) wants to extend her unbeaten run in front of her Malaysian compatriots, and her bout against Jenny “Lady GoGo” Huang (5-3) could allow her to step forward on her quest for the ONE Atomweight World Title.

Huang will be a litmus test for whether “Shadow Cat” is among the division’s elite. Huang has faced Angela Lee, as well as some of the division’s other top names, including Mei Yamaguchi and Gina Iniong.

Jihin is very ambitious. The 20-year-old amassed plenty of experience before becoming a professional mixed martial artist – she was a FIOGA wushu world champion, MIMMA amateur champion, and had success in the different striking arts of kickboxing, Muay Thai, and boxing.

Her three-bout win streak and recent victory over surging Priscilla Hertati Lumban Gaol mean that one more victory could put her on the fast-track towards the division’s upper echelon. Huang has been there and wants to return, so her objective is to hijack the Malaysian’s momentum.

Former World Champions Seek Path To Former Glories

The athletes on the ONE roster are already looking forward to the promotion’s debut in Japan next year, and some of the country’s heroes want to make a bid for title contention.

There is no better way to do it than to enter the fray against the best. Both Yuki “Yu-King” Niimura (12-4) and Yosuke “Tobizaru” Saruta (17-8-3) will do just that, taking on former ONE World Champions Vitaly Bigdash (9-2) and Alex “Little Rock” Silva (7-2), respectively.

Niimura is a Pancrase Middleweight World Champion with a 75 percent knockout ratio in his 12 career victories. Against Bigdash, renowned for his own power and durability, he will look to make his striking pay dividends, but the Russian is hungrier than ever to get back on the winning track.

Saruta enters as a former Shooto Strawweight World Champion, who has seven victories in his last nine outings. He too has knockout power, which he will bring to the cage against BJJ world champion Silva. “Little Rock’s” sights are firmly locked on the road to reclaiming the ONE Strawweight World Title.

Former Challengers Can Move Towards A Second Shot At Gold

Hometown hero Agilan “Alligator” Thani (9-2) has an impeccable record in front of the KL faithful. He has amassed a 7-1 slate at home and is always buoyed by the support of his countrymen.

He has been in there with the best, but now is the time to work his way back up and prove he can also defeat the best.

Standing in front of him is the powerful Kyrgyz competitor, Kiamrian Abbasov (19-4). He has the experience to push “Alligator” and force him to show whether or not he is ready for title contention once again.

Two-time ONE Atomweight World Title challenger Mei “V.V.” Yamaguchi (17-11-1) is also aiming for a return to the winner’s circle. Jomary “The Zamboanginian Fighter” Torres (4-1) could either be a stumbling block or a stepping stone on her way back to the top.