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ONE: ONLY THE BRAVE is able to ignite the Singapore Indoor Stadium with a sensational mix of kickboxing and combined martial arts fights.
With huge event matchups, a key World Title eliminator, and loads of different essential showdowns, each athlete might be fired as much as placed on a memorable efficiency this Friday, 28 January.
We’re enthusiastic about all 11 bouts, however we’ve picked out 5 of the most important causes to catch the motion stay from “The Lion Metropolis.”
#1 A Pair Of Kickboxing Grand Prix Semifinals
The most important event in kickboxing has reached the semifinal stage, and regardless of some latest modifications, there are nonetheless 4 world-class strikers hoping to punch their ticket to the ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Grand Prix Championship Remaining.
Sitthichai “Killer Child” Sitsongpeenong vs. Davit Kiria is now the night’s predominant occasion, with the #3-ranked Thai legend trying to advance previous the Georgian underdog.
However whereas Sitthichai’s unbelievable outfighting abilities have carried him to many prestigious titles, Kiria has proven the power to beat anybody – and he solely wants one bomb to utterly change the dynamic of this conflict.
Within the different semifinal, Grand Prix alternate Smokin’ Jo Nattawut has stepped in to fill the void left by main contender Marat Grigorian. The highly effective Thai veteran will now face #4-ranked Chingiz “Chinga” Allazov within the present’s co-main occasion.
Allazov’s latest destruction of 2019 Grand Prix finalist Samy “AK47” Sana proved that he’s one of many division’s greatest threats, however Nattawut owns the sort of firepower in his palms that may flip the tide straight away.
There’s nothing fairly like a fight sports activities event, and all 4 semifinalists will give every little thing they’ve to succeed in the ultimate.
#2 A Onerous-Hitting World Title Eliminator
Tang Kai and “The Combating God” Kim Jae Woong each imagine they’ve the hanging abilities to win this battle of stand-up specialists, and whoever makes good on that promise will get an unlimited reward.
The surging combined martial artists need a shot on the ONE Featherweight World Title, which might be contested between reigning king Thanh Le and Garry “The Lion Killer” Tonon later this yr.
Fourth-ranked Tang has gained eight straight bouts, with six of these coming by knockout. On the opposite aspect, #1-ranked Kim has gone 3-1 in ONE with a trio of KOs.
After ending former featherweight titleholder Martin “The Situ-Asian” Nguyen in his final outing, “The Combating God” positioned himself for the following World Title problem. However given the wait, he accepted this matchup with Tang, which he known as a “warmup.”
Upon listening to that, the Chinese language striker felt disrespected – and decided to break Kim’s plan.
With 20 finishes amongst their mixed 25 victories – plus the additional antagonism from their confrontation – these sluggers ought to stage an intense battle for so long as it lasts.
#3 Warmth Comes To A Head In Essential Strawweight Tilt
There’s much more warmth between two of the strawweight division’s prime contenders, who’re vying for a shot on the gold with a giant win on Friday.
Third-ranked Jarred “The Monkey God” Brooks has acknowledged that #4-ranked Hiroba Minowa is likely one of the most underestimated athletes within the division. Nevertheless, that respect hasn’t stopped the brash American from releasing a diss observe that targets the reserved Japanese grappler.
Minowa has bitten again, though he prefers to do most of his speaking contained in the Circle. The 23-year-old believes he has a number of routes to victory towards “The Monkey God” – and he plans to silence him with an emphatic efficiency.
Each rising contenders know they’re near a problem of featherweight king Joshua “The Ardour” Pacio, so anticipate a fierce showdown in Singapore.
#4 China’s Most Dominant Light-weight Returns
“The Warrior” Zhang Lipeng picked up a large debut win over former ONE Light-weight World Champion Eduard “Landslide” Folayang final yr. Subsequent, he’s aiming for the division’s prime canine.
Zhang has gained 22 of his final 25 fights and feels able to push towards the higher echelon. He’s already caught the eye of #3-ranked Shinya “Tobikan Judan” Aoki, and a victory on Friday might arrange a top-contenders matchup.
In the meantime, Ruslan “Snow Leopard” Emilbek Uulu needs to proceed on the profitable path after a bounce-back victory over Pieter “The Archangel” Buist.
“Snow Leopard” appeared refreshed at light-weight and may very well be a stronger pressure within the heavier weight class, though “The Warrior” will pose a troublesome take a look at on that street.
#5 Lithuanian Sensation Goals To Lengthen Flawless Document
The modifications to the ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Grand Prix imply that Dovydas “Rimkenzo” Rimkus will now face Ivan Kondratev in an alternate bout on Friday’s lead card.
Rimkus exploded onto the worldwide stage late final yr, displaying his mixture of ability and charisma in a victory over “Bamboo Sword” Zhang Chunyu at ONE: NEXTGEN II.
Regardless of having simply eight skilled bouts to his credit score, the undefeated Lithuanian proved that his arsenal can overcome any distinction in expertise.
Together with entertaining the followers for 3 rounds in his debut, Rimkus is a continuing supply of leisure on-line, which has made him one of many fastest-rising stars within the promotion.
Nonetheless, it gained’t be straightforward towards Kondratev, a big-punching Russian with some extent to show. He shocked the world by dropping Grigorian in his ONE debut, though he ultimately misplaced to the Armenian famous person.
Seeing Nattawut get bumped as much as the principle Grand Prix bracket will give each males additional motivation – understanding that nothing is off the desk if they’ll safe a victory on this alternate bout.
Learn extra: Davit Kiria: 4 Shocking Info About The Grand Prix Underdog
