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The previous 12 months has given ONE Tremendous Collection followers some unimaginable kickboxing and Muay Thai motion.
The promotion’s all-striking league noticed new World Champions topped, debutants break into the rankings, and profitable transitions from one sport into the opposite.
The brand new 12 months brings new prospects, although, and we’ve compiled a listing of 5 ONE Tremendous Collection fights we’d like to witness contained in the Circle over the subsequent 12 months.
#1 Nong-O Vs. Rittewada
ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Nong-O Gaiyanghadao had a quiet 2021, however he might face a critical challenger subsequent 12 months within the type of #2 contender Rittewada Petchyindee Academy.
Rittewada scored a shocking TKO win over #1-ranked Saemapetch Fairtex in his organizational debut at ONE: NEXTGEN II this previous November.
Earlier than that matchup, Saemapetch had solely misplaced as soon as in ONE since becoming a member of the promotion in 2018, and that was by the hands of Nong-O. So, it is smart that Rittewada ought to get the subsequent crack on the longtime divisional king.
If that bout does occur, it could pit Nong-O in opposition to a tall, explosive bantamweight who’s equally artful. The champion wouldn’t solely should be quick; he’d even have to shut the space to the touch an opponent who holds a 15-centimeter attain benefit.
Rittewada’s wingspan would make it simple for him to land his trademark elbows on Nong-O because the latter tries to get shut. This is able to put the titleholder in a predicament that ONE Tremendous Collection followers have but to see.
#2 Saemapetch Vs. Tawanchai
After dropping to Rittewada, Saemapetch will probably be trying to rebound with a win over one other elite bantamweight.
In the meantime, Tawanchai PK.Saenchai Muaythaigym dropped out of the highest 5 this 12 months after falling to #3-ranked kickboxer Sitthichai “Killer Child” Sitsongpeenong – albeit at featherweight – so he’ll be trying to re-enter the rankings.
All of that might make the timing of this battle excellent, with the stakes excessive for each males.
If Saemapetch wins, he’d stay within the #1 spot and maintain his hopes for a second World Title run alive. But when Tawanchai defeats the Fairtex athlete, he’d show his loss on the heavier weight was a fluke and seize a distinguished place within the bantamweight rankings.
Saemapetch versus Tawanchai could be a battle of two extremely revered Muay Thai tacticians who’ve a knack for exploiting their opponent’s errors. And if both makes considered one of their very own, the opposite would certainly capitalize – and go for a devastating end.
#3 Janet Todd Vs. Allycia Hellen Rodrigues
ONE Atomweight Kickboxing World Champion Janet “JT” Todd had a 2021 to recollect. After taking the kickboxing gold from former two-sport queen Stamp Fairtex on the finish of 2020, she returned to Muay Thai this 12 months – and scored two spectacular wins.
The primary was a unanimous determination over #4-ranked Alma Juniku, and the second was a TKO of #3-ranked Anne “Ninja” Line Hogstad.
Allycia Hellen Rodrigues, alternatively, has competed simply as soon as in ONE Tremendous Collection, however it was a monumental debut. In August 2020, the Brazilian scored a surprising upset over Stamp to earn the ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Title, which she holds to today.
Rodrigues is now making ready to return after changing into a mom, whereas Todd is hoping to earn two-sport gold after changing into the #1 atomweight Muay Thai contender. Which means this World Champion vs. World Champion conflict is a must-happen matchup within the upcoming 12 months.
Including to the intrigue, Todd is a fast starter with heavy palms, whereas Rodrigues tends to ramp issues up within the later rounds and favors countering together with her kicks. There’s little doubt these ways would produce an enthralling battle of contrasting types.
#4 Felipe Lobo Vs. Hiroki Akimoto
Each Felipe “Demolition Man” Lobo and Hiroki Akimoto are coming off large ONE Tremendous Collection kickboxing wins.
Lobo defeated #3-ranked Muay Thai contender Rodlek “The Metal Locomotive” PK.Saenchai Muaythaigym below kickboxing guidelines at ONE: NEXTGEN III in November, whereas Akimoto beat Chinese language kickboxing celebrity “The Tank” Qiu Jianliang at ONE: WINTER WARRIORS in December.
In consequence, Lobo earned the #5 contender spot within the bantamweight kickboxing division, whereas Akimoto moved up one place to #2.
With #1-ranked Alaverdi “Babyface Killer” Ramazanov now specializing in Muay Thai after dropping his kickboxing gold to Capitan Petchyindee Academy, #3-ranked Nong-O sitting on the bantamweight Muay Thai throne, and #4-ranked Petchtanong Petchfergus already happening to Capitan, that is the proper time for Lobo and Akimoto to sq. off for a shot on the belt.
This battle could be an instantaneous traditional between the methodical Brazilian and the combination-heavy Japanese striker.
#5 Rodtang Vs. Nong-O
ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon and bantamweight king Nong-O have been unstoppable of their respective divisions.
Rodtang has gone 10-0 in ONE Tremendous Collection, and Nong-O is on a 7-0 streak. Neither megastar has come near being completed – however each have large knockout capabilities – which might make this matchup completely riveting.
If the battle does happen in 2022, it would occur at a catchweight, as Nong-O is a small bantamweight, whereas Rodtang might simply placed on a couple of kilos. The end result would rely closely on who can impose their type on the opposite.
Rodtang would stroll ahead and swing at his compatriot. However Nong-O, who’s a muay femur, would refuse to play into “The Iron Man’s” emotional video games. As an alternative, he’d neatly counter the ferocious striker.
After all, Nong-O additionally has the facility to match. He stopped each Saemapetch and Rodlek by TKO, and he could possibly be the primary man to take out Rodtang below the ONE Tremendous Collection banner.
Learn extra: 5 MMA Fights We Need To See In 2022
