For part one of our preview click here.
ONE: “King of the Jungle” is set for the Singapore Indoor Stadium on Friday. It will take place behind closed doors due to concerns over the coronavirus.
A few fights have fallen through for the same reason but there will still be 11 bouts on the card which will be broadcast as per normal. The main event sees Stamp Fairtex defend her atomweight kickboxing title against Janet Todd in a rematch.
Perhaps the most recognizable name on the card is Yoshihiro Akiyama who has been matched with Sherif Mohamed in what looks to be a very winnable fight for the UFC veteran.
Here is my preview of the last five fights:
Tiffany Teo vs. Ayaka Miura (Strawweight)
Tiffany Teo (8-1) might just be the toughest fighter on the roster. She doesn’t excel in any area but is an all rounder with a huge heart who never gives up.
By contrast Ayaka Miura (10-2) is quite one dimensional. She needs submissions to win but is absolutely superb at getting them, particularly her trademark scarf hold armlock.
Yoshihiro Akiyama vs. Sherif Mohamed (Welterweight)
Yoshihiro Akiyama (14-7) had a very disappointing ONE Championship debut when he was outworked and outwrestled by Agilan Thani. Cardio seemed to be an issue for the UFC veteran who will want to put in a much more impressive performance here.
Sherif Mohamed (9-5) will relish the opportunity to potentially beat a legend but there’s nothing in the Egyptian’s resume to suggest he is likely to do that. He’s 0-3 in ONE Championship bouts.
Amir Khan vs. Kimihiro Eto (Lightweight)
Amir Khan (12-6) is known for taking a strategic approach to fights. But he came under criticism for constantly backtracking against Ev Ting last time out, despite claiming a split decision win.
Kimihiro Eto (16-5-2) is primarily a wrestler and the two have trained together extensively at Evolve MMA. Khan should have the advantage in the striking exchanges and the Japanese fighter will need takedowns to win.
Muay Thai: Sam-A Gaiyanghadao vs. Rocky Ogden (For strawweight title)
Sam-A Gaiyanghadao is coming towards the end of a career that has encompassed around 400 fights and a glittering array of titles. But smaller gloves aren’t always kind to veteran fighters, just ask Yodsaenklai Fairtex.
Young Australian Rocky Ogden will be tasked with scoring the upset against an opponent 16 years his senior. He has never fought anyone on Sam-A’s level and the strategy will surely be to swing for the fences.
Kickboxing: Stamp Fairtex (c) vs. Janet Todd (For atomweight title)
Janet Todd gave Stamp Fairtex a tough test in their first fight and the rule change might favour the American, no clinching or elbows will be allowed in this contest.
Stamp has brought in a specialist boxing coach to work her hands but will always rely heavily on kicks. Todd comes into this on the back of a three fight winning streak.
The entire ONE: “King of the Jungle” fight card will be available to view live and free in some territories using the newly launched app which you can download here.