What’s At Stake For The Warriors Seeking TOTAL VICTORY In Jakarta

Jakarta has consistently played host to some of the promotion’s most thrilling nights of martial arts action. The iconic Indonesian capital has held spectacular ONE Championship events since almost the very beginning, and ONE: TOTAL VICTORY promises to be no different.

As with every event, there is certainly a lot at stake in each bout. The main event in particular between former ONE Flyweight World Champion Kairat Akhmetov and top contender Geje Eustaquio has serious title implications, and the victor could go on to face reigning kingpin Adriano Moraes once more.

Let’s take a look at what’s in store for some of the biggest names at ONE: TOTAL VICTORY.

Kairat Akhmetov And Geje Eustaquio

In a showdown involving a former flyweight world champion and a former title challenger, this bout promises to be nothing short of an epic encounter. Two top talents in Kairat Akhmetov and Geje Eustaquio will settle matters inside the ONE Championship cage, effectively pushing the victor closer to another date with Adriano Moraes.

Akhmetov is, of course, the former ONE Flyweight World Champion. Unbeaten prior to dropping a unanimous decision to Moraes in Macao just last month, Akhmetov vows to come back a vastly improved martial artist.

He has since put the painful loss to Moraes behind him, and now looks forward to reclaiming what he feels is rightfully his. It certainly won’t come easy though, as his opponent is considered one of the most dangerous strikers in the business.

Filipino flyweight standout Geje Eustaquio of the famed Team Lakay is no stranger to marquee matchups, and his next bout comes with no shortage of significance. Eustaquio, who challenged Moraes for the world title in 2014, wants nothing more than to climb back in the cage with the champion in another title opportunity.

Eustaquio performed considerably well in his first shot at ONE Championship gold three years ago, and promises a much different result should he get another go at the belt. He first needs to get past Akhmetov, however, who is a completely different beast, and poses a much different challenge from that of Moraes.

To claim victory, Eustaquio has to keep the action on the feet where he owns a distinct advantage. Akhmetov’s primary strength lies in being a world-class wrestler, so Eustaquio’s wushu is certainly given the chance to shine. If he can focus on stopping Akhmetov’s constant stream of takedown attempts, Eustaquio could earn himself the biggest win of his career.

To the winner goes the spoils. A date with destiny, and another go at Adriano Moraes hangs in the balance.

Yago Bryan And Roy Doliguez

Just like in the main event, the showdown between Brazil’s Yago Bryan and the Philippines’ Roy Doliguez is significant in terms of shaking up the strawweight landscape.

One thing both warriors have in common is they have previously challenged for the ONE Strawweight World Championship, falling victim to former champion Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke’s elite Muay Thai.

Now that the title is securely in the hands of Japanese ace Yoshitaka Naito, however, the window of opportunity has opened up for these two top contenders. While a win for either may not guarantee another crack at the title, it would certainly move the victor closer to the top.

Bryan is a well-rounded competitor, featuring world-class striking and grappling. Although he has experienced defeat in his last two outings, the Brazilian remained highly competitive and performed extremely well despite the outcome.

Doliguez’s strengths lie in striking, as he comes into this contest with the punching pedigree of a former professional boxer. In all his ONE bouts to date, Doliguez has earned valuable experience facing the top talent at strawweight, and should be well positioned to take his career to the next level.

Alain Ngalani And Hideki Sekine

In one of the evening’s most anticipated matchups, two colossal heavyweight contenders are set to lock horns at the center of the cage in a classic striker versus grappler encounter.

To put things in perspective, former ONE Heavyweight World Title challenger Hideki Sekine is a giant of a man who walks around at about 120 kg, while his opponent, Alain “The Panther” Ngalani moves with deceptive speed at 104 kg. With both men packing huge knockout power and grappling strength, fireworks are all but guaranteed.

Ngalani is known for his extremely fast and fearsome starts, so expect ‘The Panther’ to come out looking to finish matters early. Sekine, on the other hand, is more technical, opting to favor his black belt judo and BJJ background. No matter who wins though, the fans are definitely in for a treat.

ONE Heavyweight Brandon Vera is on the lookout for a new challenger, but Ngalani and Sekine first need to make huge statements with highlight reel wins before they can be considered. More than anything else however, this Ngalani – Sekine showdown is for the fans, as the draw of heavyweight power is hard to pass up.