Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
ONE is betting big on itself this weekend, and made sure that they weren’t slacking in a truly historic event for the organization.
Not being strangers to setting up international events, ONE Championship has finally made the trip to Japan. This time, they’re stacking the card in an impressive manner, with a lot of major bouts ready for the weekend in an amazing doubleheader.
First up, we have Angela Lee (9-2). A prized talent in the organization, Lee became atomweight champion in short order. She ended up losing a bid to be strawweight champion against Xiong Jingnan in a thrilling affair back in March, a fight that could be considered one of the best of the year. Now, they’ll run it back at strawweight and we can expect another explosive affair between two immensely talented fighters.
Fan favorite Demetrious Johnson (29-3, 1 draw) continues to make his case for being one of the best fighters alive after submitting Yuya Wakamatsu and winning a decision against Tatsumadu Wada. And now Mighty Mouse (no, that’s the nickname I’m still using – fight me) meets a different kind of challenge in Danny “The King“ Kingad (13-1). Kingad’s riding a six fight win streak with wins over Reece McLaren, Senzo Ikeda, and the two men Johnson has vanquished in ONE so far, Wakamatsu and Wada. Kingad has also shored up his striking and submission defense, but can be hit and can also be outwrestled. This should be a fun one nonetheless.
Angela Lee’s brother Christian (12-3) has been a problem at only 21 years of age, putting on some impressive performances and demonstrating excellent athleticism with poise and technique. But now he’s up against Turkish Certified Finisher™ Saygid Arslanaliev (8-1), who’s got a four win streak that’s leaving a trail of bodies in exciting fashion.
We’ve talked a bit about former Pancrase title challenger Yuya Wakamatsu (11-4) a bit, and he’s also on this card against Korean vet Dae Hwan Kim (15-5, 1 draw). Former UFC and World Series of Fighting fighter Yushin Okami (thank you!!) returns to middleweight against Agilan Thani (9-3).
Another Pancrase vet in Senzo Ikeda (12-7, 1 draw) wants to keep his reputation for being violent and fun as he collides with Lito Adiwang (9-2), who also doesn’t come to play around. Myanmar’s Phoe Thaw has been a staple for ONE for some time, and he’s a menace. Seriously, look at this. The man embodies a do or die approach, and uses every tool at his disoposal. He meets Team MAD Busan’s Chang Min Yoon (2-1), who has made the absolute most of his two appearances under the ONE banner with performances like this.
Full card is as follows:
Angela Lee vs. Jingnan Xiong – Strawweight
Demetrious Johnson vs. Danny Kingad Bantamweight
Janet Todd vs. Ekaterina Vandaryeva – Muay Thai bout, 115 lbs
Saygid Guseyn Arslanaliev vs. Christian Lee – Lightweight
Yuya Wakamatsu vs. Dae Hwan Kim – Bantamweight
Sam-A Gaiyanghadao vs. Darren Roland – Muay Thai bout, 125 lbs
Yushin Okami vs. Agilan Thani – Middleweight
Itsuki Hirata vs. Rika Ishige – Strawweight
Senzo Ikeda vs. Lito Adiwang – Flyweight
Phoe Thaw vs. Chang Min Yoon – Lightweight
Sunoto Peringkat vs. Won Il Kwon – 150lb catchweight
One Championship: Century Part I will be airing live on TNT (yes, that same TNT) in the U.S., starting at 8:00pm EST.