Tag: ONE Championship News

By Dan Paulo Errazo

After an unclear resolution to their first match, Edward “The Ferocious” Kelly is anticipating a hungry Christian “The Warrior” Lee in their upcoming rematch on January 19 at Istora Senayan in Jakarta, Indonesia.

They are ardent representatives of prominent martial arts gyms Team Lakay and Evolve MMA, and will meet once more in a main card match at ONE: Eternal Glory.

Both featherweights are known to be excellent finishers and good show closers, which did not happen during their first encounter last September. Lee executed an illegal suplex maneuver that caused the Baguio city native to land on his head, which warranted a disqualification ruling.

Despite the win, “The Ferocious” admittedly had difficulty Lee’s ground game. He knows that this rematch is important for both he and Lee, given that he has a point to prove and both fighters want to settle their unfinished business.

As such, Kelly mentions he has a few surprises for his younger counterpart.

“In our first match-up, I learned that he’s overly aggressive, so that’s what I’m preparing for. He’s explosive, and he’s good on the ground – a submission artist,” explained the 34-year-old Team Lakay representative.

“I’ll try my best not to get trapped in those submissions. I think his aggressiveness could also be his downfall. I added some additional skills and escapes. Let’s see how effective it will be in the match.”

Kelly hails from the stable of Team Lakay where four of its members currently hold ONE World Championship belts, a prestige that he feels honored to uphold despite not being a world champion.

And although Lee is a former ONE World Title challenger himself, Kelly feels that the youngster will have a tougher time with him in the rematch due to his improved skills.

“We know that Lee is aggressive and he likes to finish people, but against me, he won’t be able to get that easily. Of course, I’m going for the win as well. The pressure is on us, but we need to stay focused,” he admitted.

“Even if we’re on the top right now, it won’t stay that way if it’s only on our minds. We need to give our all in every match, to show our true strength and how hard we trained.”

With a record of 11-5, the 34-year old hopes that a win against “The Warrior” would earn him the right to challenge Martin “The Situ-Asian” Nguyen for the ONE Featherweight World Title, which would give him an opportunity to be the fifth Team Lakay member to hold a ONE World Title.

“I think I need at least another win before I get that world title shot,” Kelly concluded.

“However, if I would be blessed with a world title bout already, then I would be grateful.”

The post Edward Kelly Prepared to Settle the Score in His Rematch With Christian Lee appeared first on LowKickMMA.com.

There is no question, a kickboxing battle between the legendary Giorgio “The Doctor” Petrosyan and the equally iconic Yodsanklai IWE Fairtex is a potential dream matchup.

Thanks to the recently announced ONE Super Series Featherweight World Grand Prix, we might get a chance to see these two titans of the sport collide. Each will have to make their way past any opponents standing between this fantasy matchup and a world title, but the possibilities are there.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUajzq2EuZU

Petrosyan is Down to Face Anyone

A sagacious person once said, “the best ability is availability.” Petrosyan wants everyone to know that he is available to face any opponent. “There are many very strong and valuable athletes in ONE,” he says. “Right now, the names don’t matter to me. I will fight with anyone, and I have no problems.”

That willingness to challenge himself is part of what has made the 33-year-old Armenian one of the most-decorated kickboxers in history. Yodsanklai has adopted a similar mantra throughout his epic career.

Yodsanklai is a Man of Many Accomplishments

Nicknamed the “Boxing Computer” and “The Hero,” Yodsanklai has proven to be worthy of both monikers. His technical striking is drunk with precision, and his toughness is envied by anyone who has stepped into a ring or cage to compete. ONE Championship commentator once spoke on Yodsanklai’s kicking prowess:

“Yod’s kicks are arguably the hardest strike of any athlete in any combat sport,” says MMA and kickboxing commentator Michael Schiavello. “Think of Mike Tyson’s hook, Larry Holmes’ jab, Ernie Shavers’ right hand, Andy Hug’s ax kick, Cro Cop’s left head kick… Well, you need to add Yodsanklai’s roundhouse kick to the list, too.”

Likewise, his accomplishments have made him a beloved figure in his native Thailand and abroad. Still, he’s not one to brag or to toot his own horn. “I never thought that I was the best fighter ever or in the world,” Yodsanklai said. “I won’t compare myself to others. I’ll just do my best.”

During a career that has spanned 17 years, Yodsanklai has compiled more than 200 wins with 78 coming by KO. Most recently, he scored a KO victory over Luis Regis in December at ONE: DESTINY OF CHAMPIONS. The win set Yodsanklai up to pursue more glory in the Grand Prix.

Petrosyan Plays Second Fiddle to Noone

Though his experience isn’t vast, Petrosyan’s winning percentage is much higher than Yodsanklai. The man known as “The Doctor” has more than 100 kickboxing bouts to his credit, and he’s lost just two of them.

In fact, it’s been nearly six years since his last defeat. In November, at ONE: HEART OF A LION, Petrosyan easily handled Sorgraw Petchyindee, handing the Thai boxer a unanimous-decision loss. In between wins with ONE Championship, Petrosyan captured Bellator’s inaugural featherweight title.

With a variety of championships and a 2-0 record with ONE, Petrosyan is more than ready to compete in the Grand Prix.

Why Would People Want to See a Petrosyan-Yodsanklai Bout?

If you enjoy watching two all-time greats compete while both are still in the primes of their careers, a Petrosyan-Yodsanklai bout is appealing to you. Very few times are fans of any combat sport treated to this kind of a matchup. In many combat sports, athletes aren’t willing to stake their records and reputations against elite opponents. That isn’t a worry with Petrosyan or Yodsanklai.

The appeal of this matchup is through the roof. This bout could be the main event of any show in the world. Depending on the scheduling, and the manifestation of the matchup, it could headline a future ONE Championship card.

When Might the Bout Happen?

Because both men are participants in the Grand Prix, they can match up in the tournament. Chances are, the two legends will be on opposite sides of the bracket, so the soonest they could square off would be the final. That would seemingly be an appropriate culmination of what figures to be a series of epic bouts.

Petrosyan doesn’t just seem available; he seems willing to take on the Yodsanklai challenge.

“Much has been said about this meeting with Yodsanklai,” he says. “I know him well, I’ve known him for many years. I know he’s a left-handed like me. He’s a fighter that hits hard. I’d like to meet him maybe for the title of ONE, and why not?”

Right, why not? The Grand Prix begins in 2019, but we don’t know the start date as of yet. When details are available, kickboxing fans around the world will be sure to mark their calendars. Next up for ONE Championship is ETERNAL GLORY from Jakarta, Indonesia. Joshua “The Passion” Pacio will defend his ONE Strawweight title against veteran Japanese warrior Yosuke Saruta in the main event. There’s also an intriguing ONE Super Series Flyweight bout on tap between Alex Serepisos and Mongkolpetch Petchyindee Academy.

It takes place on 19 January and is the first event of 2019 for ONE Championship.

The post Giorgio Petrosyan welcomes dream match with Yodsanklai appeared first on LowKickMMA.com.

Defending ONE Lightweight World Champion Eduard Folayang has promised to be “more creative” when he puts his belt on the line against crafty submission artist Shinya Aoki in March.

Speaking ahead of the highly-anticipated re-match at ONE: A NEW ERA in Tokyo, the reigning lightweight titleholder Folayang vowed to surprise Aoki.

“I have to become more innovative,” declared Folayang, who will battle Aoki in the main event in Japan, on 31 March.

“I have been working a lot on my wrestling and ground game, so there’s been some major improvements compared to last time.”

Folayang stunned the world back on 11 November 2016 when he finished Aoki via TKO in the third round to claim the lightweight title for the first time in his career.

Filipino Folayang (21-6) has since lost and won back the belt, while Japan’s Aoki (42-8)  has climbed back into title contention with three-straight wins.

“Fighting him again will be a tougher prospect, but it’s exciting for me to face him again,” Folayang said.

“A lot of things have changed. I lost the title but I was able to get it back. Shinya has had some tough challenges but he was able to tough them out.

“There’s been a lot of movement for both of us.”

Aoki poses a major threat to the championship reign of Folayang, bringing an unrivaled submission game to the championship bout.

“He’s a grappling wizard and you cannot allow him to put you in his world,” Folayang concedes.

“If you allow him to do that, his chances of winning are much better.

“The best thing to do is prevent him from getting in that position and give him a lot of problems beforehand.

“That’s the best thing that I can do.”

Honing his craft for several years, Folayang is no mug on the mat, either. But the 34-year-old is intent on keeping Aoki on his feet.

“As much as possible, I don’t want to go where he will have the advantage,” Folayang said.

“Of course, I need to be prepared that if the fight does go to the ground that I have the confidence and strategy to get up again.

“I will not be passive in defending on the ground. I can’t let him dictate terms.

“And if I get the chance, then I will also try to submit him. I need to do something to lessen his confidence on the ground.”

Regardless of where the battle takes him, Folayang is desperate to prove his worth to the world.

“I want to make another statement this time,” he said.

“Of course, he will study the things that made him lose last time, so I probably need to be more innovative this time.

“I need to be more creative, but I will finish him.”

The post ‘Innovative’ Eduard Folayang Has A Surprise In Store For Shinya Aoki appeared first on LowKickMMA.com.

By Dan Paulo Errazo

Joshua “The Passion” Pacio is not worried about defending his ONE Straweight World Title for the first time, even with an abrupt change of his next opponent.

The Baguio City, Philippines native was initially set to defend the strawweight title against Japan’s Hayato Suzuki in a much-awaited rematch to be held at ONE:Eternal Glory in Istora Senayan, Jakarta on January 19, 2019.

Things took to an expected turn when an unfortunate injury took Suzuki out of the main event. Since then, Yosuke “Tobizaru” Saruta has been tasked to step in for his countryman and challenge the reigning ONE Strawweight World Champion.

Regardless of his opponent, “The Passion’s” resolve is absolutely intact and he promises that he will be going home to the Philippines with the belt still around his waist.

“I’m coming into this fight, as usual, in the best shape of my life,” the 22-year-old says.

“The way I fight, my style is very fast-paced with constant movement. To be able to maintain my pace, I have to be in great physical condition. We have worked extensively on my conditioning, and I’m prepared for a five-round war.

“Of course, we still have a solid game plan in place, and that’s going to be a huge key to victory. I have the best team behind me and the best coach.

“As long as we put our heads together, and I follow my coach’s instructions, I’m confident I can retain the title and bring home another golden strap to Baguio City.”

This encounter with Saruta is no easy feat for Pacio given that the Japanese warrior has a five-year advantage in terms of experience over the Filipino.

Saruta made his first professional appearance in Shooto: Back to our Roots in January 2008 and has since built an impressive career for the next decade with a record of 18 wins, 8 losses and 3 draws.

His defining moment however took place on October 2017 when “Tobirazu” knocked out Ryuto “Dragon Boy” Sawada to claim the Shooto Straweight World Championship.

This led him to make his ONE Championship debut last December 2018, where Saruta made his presence known by releasing explosive strikes and utilizing his well-timed grappling which earned him a unanimous decision against former titleholder Alex “Little Rock” Silva.

Pacio is well aware of the dangerous skills his challenger from Wajutsu Keishukai Hearts currently possess, and he believes that Saruta is going to be his toughest opponent to date.

“I think Saruta’s biggest strength is his grappling, although he really has good striking skills. He proved that in his last bout against Silva,” the Filipino says.

“He is a very well-rounded athlete. I am preparing for the toughest opponent of my career. This is how I always train.

“There’s no use in underestimating my opponents. I honestly don’t think Saruta has any glaring weaknesses, and that’s why I’m getting myself ready for a grueling bout.”

The Team Lakay prodigy’s journey to the top of his division has been well-documented.

Since signing with The World’s Largest Martial Arts Organization back in April 2016, he has captured audience attention with his flashy wushu striking and fluid grappling skills which seem to improve with every bout.

Pacio has also proven that he is a legitimate finisher. Out of 13 wins, seven were submissions while four came via knockout.

Despite being a bonafide finisher however, Pacio humbly refuses to predict how his next match will end.

“I see myself winning, and my hand getting raised at the end of the night. But that is as much as I am going to say,” Pacio concluded.

“I don’t like predicting how fights will end because, in this game, anything can happen. All I can say is that I’m going to follow our game plan strictly because I know, in the end, it’s what will bring victory.

“Whether that victory comes by knockout, submission, or decision, I will let the fight dictate that. We’ll see how it goes.”

The 22-year old Team Lakay standout has shown continuous growth with each and every match. He, along with the rest of his countrymen, is looking forward to putting on a show against his “toughest opponent” and author a perfect start to 2019.

The post Joshua Pacio Prepares for the Toughest Opponent Of His Career appeared first on LowKickMMA.com.

By Dan Paulo Errazo

Reigning ONE Flyweight World Champion Geje “Gravity” Eustaquio is scheduled to face former titleholder Adriano “Mikinho” Moraes in the main event of ONE: HERO’S ASCENT in Manila this 25 January. It’s the first defense of his undisputed World Title, and it couldn’t have come against a better opponent.

Ever since he took the belt away from Moraes last June, the Baguio City native had anticipated the rubber match, which was just recently announced. But there is another man who Eustaquio says he is keeping a close eye on, despite being deep in training for one of the biggest bouts in his career.

ONE Championship made headlines late last year when it announced that mixed martial arts pound-for-pound king Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson would be joining the organization.

Johnson was the only UFC flyweight champion who was able to successfully hold on to the title for five years before he had to turn it over to Henry Cejudo after a split-decision loss. He is one of the most dominant World Champions of all time and is arguably the best to ever step foot in the Octagon.

Eustaquio acknowledges Johnson’s skills and capabilities and says he is excited to witness Johnson’s debut.

“I am excited to witness Demetrious Johnson’s debut just like the rest of the world,” said Eustaquio.

“He is without a doubt one of the greatest, if not the greatest athlete to set foot inside the cage.”

ONE: A New Era is most likely the most highly-anticipated event by the organization with three World Titles on the line and the premier debut of Johnson with ONE, as well as lightweight Eddie “The Underground King” Alvarez.

Johnson will be welcomed to ONE by Japan’s Yuya “Little Piranha” Wakamatsu during the ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix. It’s a bout and a tournament that Eustaquio has vested interest in, given that he holds the title in the division.

“The Flyweight World Grand Prix will have the best martial artists in the world competing for a shot at my belt,” said Eustaquio.

“It is my job as a champion to watch their every move and study how they do inside the cage.”

Though the promotion has yet to reveal who the other six of the eight grand prix competitors are, the world’s largest martial arts organization guaranteed that it will keep the fires roaring until Eustquio’s title defense.
“The flyweight division is already stacked and talented as it is, the addition of Johnson takes this division to a whole new level,” Eustaquio concluded.

“Literally everybody in my division wants to become a champion and take this belt. I am just as hungry, if not hungrier, to keep what’s mine. I will do everything it takes to keep the belt in the Philippines.”

The post Geje Eustaquio Eagerly Awaiting Demetrious Johnson’s ONE Debut appeared first on LowKickMMA.com.

The inaugural ONE Super Series Muay Thai Bantamweight World Champion will be crowned on 16 February, when Muay Thai legend Nong-O Gaiyanghadao of Thailand faces Han Zi Hao of China in the main event of ONE: CLASH OF LEGENDS at Bangkok’s Impact Arena.

ONE Championship recently announced the blockbuster main event which is the second Super Series bout to headline a ONE show after Yodsanklai IWE Fairtex knocked out Luis Regis last December in Kuala Lumpur.

Nong-O is one of the most decorated Muay Thai fighters in history, and is considered to be one of the best pound-for-pound Muay Thai fighters actively competing today. He is known for the incredible speed, power and precision behind all his strikes.

Over his career, Nong-O has garnered many accolades. He is a five-division multiple-time World Champion, 4x Lumpinee Muay Thai World Champion, 1x Rajadamnern Muay Thai World Champion, 2x Thailand National Champion, 2x Fighter of the Year, and more.

He has fought against fellow legends like Saenchai PKSaenchaiMuayThaiGym, Singdam Kiatmuu9, Petchboonchu F.A.Group, Pakorn Sakyothin, Kongsak Sitboonmee, Sam-A Gaiyanghadao, Sagetdao Petpayathai, among others.

On the other hand, Han Zi Hao is a 23-year-old Chinese kickboxer.

Before joining ONE Championship, Han knocked out the likes of Petchboonchuay FA Group, which drew the attention of the world’s largest martial arts organization. He was ONE Super Series’ most active competitor in 2018, scoring three victories including two knockouts.

Despite being such a young age, Han has already been pursuing his martial arts dreams for over a decade. He began his journey with sanda in his native China at the age of 12, then moved to Bangkok the following year in pursuit of the world’s best Muay Thai training.

Han has lived in Thailand for over 10 years now, training and competing in Muay Thai while building an impressive record facing some of the biggest names competing in the ring today. He is thrilled to have the chance to showcase his skills on the global stage, and intends to capture his biggest World Championship in short order.

More bouts at ONE: CLASH OF LEGENDS will be announced at a later date.

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