https://www.scmp.com/rss/501212/feed en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Andrew Whitelaw Andrew Whitelaw Mohammad Siasarani was speaking with the calm certainty of a fighter who feels aligned with his moment. Days after knocking out “Smokin’” Jo Nattawut to secure a US$100,000 ONE Championship contract, the 23-year-old Iranian sounded less relieved than resolved. “For a long time, my goal was just the contract,” Siasarani told the Post. “Now it is finished. My goal now is the belt.” The finish itself at ONE Friday Fights 137 in Bangkok on December 19 was emphatic: a clean second-round stoppage that... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/muay-thai/article/3337901/one-championship-mohammad-siasarani-finally-gets-coveted-contract-now-he-wants-belt?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/muay-thai/article/3337901/one-championship-mohammad-siasarani-finally-gets-coveted-contract-now-he-wants-belt?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 28 Dec 2025 01:00:33 +0000 Andrew Whitelaw Andrew Whitelaw ONE Championship Thailand president Jitinat “Plai” Asdamongkol has said the promotion’s renewed partnership with Lumpinee Stadium was a major signal of intent, with Thailand set to remain the company’s global engine room as it targeted further domestic and international growth. Speaking after the Royal Thai Army confirmed a two-year extension with ONE, Plai said the collaboration had already reshaped the landscape of Muay Thai. “Lumpinee and the Royal Thai Army invited ONE Championship about... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/muay-thai/article/3334899/one-championship-thailand-chief-outlines-bold-expansion-plans-after-lumpinee-renewal?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/muay-thai/article/3334899/one-championship-thailand-chief-outlines-bold-expansion-plans-after-lumpinee-renewal?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 02 Dec 2025 08:21:57 +0000 Andrew Whitelaw Andrew Whitelaw Takeru Segawa will have one last hurrah before retiring after stopping Denis Puric in the third round at ONE 173 in Tokyo and positioning himself for a blockbuster rematch with Rodtang Jitmuangnon in what he says will be his final fight. The former three-division K-1 champion entered Sunday’s flyweight kickboxing contest carrying significant pressure. Since joining ONE, Takeru’s run has been turbulent. He lost his promotional debut to Superlek Kiatmoo9, rebounded with a win over Thant Zin, then... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/kickboxing/article/3333009/takeru-wants-go-out-bang-gets-rodtang-rematch-retirement-fight-one-175?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/kickboxing/article/3333009/takeru-wants-go-out-bang-gets-rodtang-rematch-retirement-fight-one-175?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 16 Nov 2025 16:05:38 +0000 Andrew Whitelaw Andrew Whitelaw Stamp Fairtex has all the elements of a star. She was the first three-sport world champion in ONE Championship history. Her walkouts are iconic, her smile is infectious and her personality has made her one of the most beloved figures in Asian combat sports. But it has not all been Korean hearts and TikTok dances for the crowd favourite. The Thai superstar has endured one of the toughest spells of her career, forced to relinquish her atomweight Muay Thai belt last year because of a chronic knee... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/kickboxing/article/3332848/one-championship-thai-star-stamp-fairtex-make-lost-time-against-kana-morimoto?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/kickboxing/article/3332848/one-championship-thai-star-stamp-fairtex-make-lost-time-against-kana-morimoto?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 14 Nov 2025 11:31:54 +0000 Andrew Whitelaw Andrew Whitelaw Superlek Kiatmoo9 has seen and heard it all in his storied career, but Japan’s Yuki Yoza may have given him extra motivation ahead of their clash at ONE 173 in Tokyo. The Thai superstar, known worldwide as “The Kicking Machine”, makes his return to kickboxing this weekend after a brief injury lay-off. His opponent has been making headlines of his own, confidently declaring that he will be the new Kicking Machine after their bout. Either way, many fans have earmarked this fight as the pick of the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/kickboxing/article/3332785/one-championship-superlek-kiatmoo9-yuki-yoza-trade-verbal-kicks-ahead-tokyo-showdown?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/kickboxing/article/3332785/one-championship-superlek-kiatmoo9-yuki-yoza-trade-verbal-kicks-ahead-tokyo-showdown?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 14 Nov 2025 07:13:42 +0000 Andrew Whitelaw Andrew Whitelaw Tokyo’s Ariake Arena will host a striking masterclass on Sunday when Thailand’s Superbon Singha Mawynn defends his ONE featherweight kickboxing world title against Japan’s Masaaki Noiri, the interim champion who stunned Tawanchai PK Saenchai earlier this year. The bout, which puts national pride on the line for both fighters, headlines ONE 173, a card stacked with elite strikers. Both men understand what is at stake: Superbon wants to cement his legacy as an all-time great, while Noiri aims to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/kickboxing/article/3332765/one-championship-superbon-vows-defend-his-crown-masaaki-noiri-eyes-another-shock?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/kickboxing/article/3332765/one-championship-superbon-vows-defend-his-crown-masaaki-noiri-eyes-another-shock?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 14 Nov 2025 05:35:35 +0000 Andrew Whitelaw Andrew Whitelaw Nabil Anane was ready to defend his ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world title against Jonathan Haggerty at Tokyo’s Ariake Arena on Sunday – a dream match-up between two of the most exciting strikers in the sport. But when Haggerty withdrew through injury, the plan changed overnight. Instead, the 21-year-old Thai-Algerian phenom will now face Japan’s Hiromi Wajima under kickboxing rules at featherweight at ONE 173: Superbon vs Noiri. It is a major test for Anane, who stands 1.93 metres tall (six... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/muay-thai/article/3332699/one-championship-nabil-anane-face-hiromi-wajima-one-173-after-injury-pull-out?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/muay-thai/article/3332699/one-championship-nabil-anane-face-hiromi-wajima-one-173-after-injury-pull-out?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 13 Nov 2025 14:32:13 +0000 Andrew Whitelaw Andrew Whitelaw Samet Agdeve walked into ONE Fight Night 37 on Saturday as one of the biggest underdogs on the card, he walked out as the new ONE Championship heavyweight kickboxing world champion. The 21-year-old from Turkey handed Roman Kryklia his first loss in seven years, ending the Ukrainian’s impressive 15-fight winning streak via a unanimous decision while delivering a performance that has instantly reshaped the division. There were shades of Anthony Joshua’s first fight with Andy Ruiz Jnr in this... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/kickboxing/article/3332070/one-fight-night-37-agdeve-upends-heavyweight-division-shock-win-over-kryklia?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/kickboxing/article/3332070/one-fight-night-37-agdeve-upends-heavyweight-division-shock-win-over-kryklia?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 08 Nov 2025 15:26:47 +0000 Andrew Whitelaw Andrew Whitelaw Kana “Krusher Queen” Morimoto is targeting a statement finish when she faces Stamp Fairtex at ONE 173 in Tokyo – and she believes stopping a former title-holder with a reputation for elbows and showmanship is the perfect way to restore the meaning behind her nickname. The former K-1 flyweight kickboxing champion meets Stamp in a three-round atomweight kickboxing bout on November 16 at Ariake Arena. The Thai star, a fan favourite in Asia, has held ONE world titles across three sports and is... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/kickboxing/article/3328963/one-championship-kana-morimoto-guns-career-first-ko-against-popular-stamp-fairtex?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/kickboxing/article/3328963/one-championship-kana-morimoto-guns-career-first-ko-against-popular-stamp-fairtex?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 14 Oct 2025 09:15:47 +0000 Andrew Whitelaw Andrew Whitelaw Kickboxer Nico Carrillo got married in June and is done waiting: after a career-defining move to featherweight and a knockout win over one of the sport’s icons, the Scot is desperate to stay active and keep stopping opponents as he pushes towards a ONE Championship title shot. Carrillo faces American Luke Lessei at ONE Fight Night 37 in Bangkok next month, and while he expects an entertaining contest, he is more focused on momentum and making a statement. “I’m just buzzing to be fighting again,”... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/kickboxing/article/3328685/one-championship-wedding-done-next-list-kickboxer-nico-carrillo-title-shot?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/kickboxing/article/3328685/one-championship-wedding-done-next-list-kickboxer-nico-carrillo-title-shot?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 12 Oct 2025 06:50:05 +0000 Andrew Whitelaw Andrew Whitelaw Prajanchai PK Saenchai will step into Lumpinee Stadium on Saturday for a rematch with Jonathan Di Bella, and the Thai double champion is confident he has made the right changes to get the job done against the Canadian-Italian. “Of course, my plan has changed – it will be very difficult for him to beat me,” he told the Post ahead of the strawweight kickboxing world title bout at ONE Fight Night 36 in Bangkok. The pair went five close rounds in their first meeting, with some fans believing Di... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/kickboxing/article/3327656/one-championship-prajanchai-ready-rematch-biggest-test-jonathan-di-bella?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/kickboxing/article/3327656/one-championship-prajanchai-ready-rematch-biggest-test-jonathan-di-bella?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 02 Oct 2025 10:21:34 +0000 Andrew Whitelaw Andrew Whitelaw Nabil Anane’s first step into kickboxing under the ONE Championship banner ended in frustration, but he still took plenty of positives from his clash with former flyweight king Ilias Ennahachi. Already the bantamweight Muay Thai world champion, Anane looked sharp and composed in front of a packed Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok on Friday. The 6ft 4in 20-year-old used his reach to full effect, scoring an early knockdown and even mixing in spinning taekwondo attacks, before he accidentally kicked his... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/kickboxing/article/3327086/nabil-ananes-kickboxing-debut-cut-short-haggerty-super-fight-beckons-one-173?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/kickboxing/article/3327086/nabil-ananes-kickboxing-debut-cut-short-haggerty-super-fight-beckons-one-173?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 27 Sep 2025 07:44:31 +0000 Andrew Whitelaw Andrew Whitelaw Hyu Iwata has quietly become one of the most dangerous contenders in ONE Championship’s flyweight kickboxing division, and after his latest win, the undefeated Japanese star sent a clear message: he was coming for the belt. “I am here to shake up the flyweight division,” he said. “Whoever ONE Championship puts in front of me, I will be ready.” Iwata is now 12-0 overall, including a perfect 4-0 run in the ONE Championship, with finishes in his past three bouts. His latest outing saw him stop... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/kickboxing/article/3326662/one-championship-japanese-star-hyu-iwata-ready-shake-flyweight-kickboxing-division?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/kickboxing/article/3326662/one-championship-japanese-star-hyu-iwata-ready-shake-flyweight-kickboxing-division?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 24 Sep 2025 08:00:10 +0000 Andrew Whitelaw Andrew Whitelaw Jonathan Di Bella is heading back to Thailand for the biggest fight of his career, with the 29-year-old challenging Prajanchai PK Saenchai for the ONE strawweight kickboxing world title at ONE Fight Night 36. The Italian-Canadian star returns to Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium to face the Thai in a high-stakes title unification bout on October 3, and an opportunity to avenge the lone blemish on his record. “When I saw it was finally me fighting Prajanchai again, I was so happy. It’s about time we run... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/kickboxing/article/3326645/one-championship-jonathan-di-bella-gets-chance-avenge-only-loss-his-career?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/kickboxing/article/3326645/one-championship-jonathan-di-bella-gets-chance-avenge-only-loss-his-career?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 24 Sep 2025 05:57:53 +0000 Andrew Whitelaw Andrew Whitelaw Rukiya Anpo has made his intentions crystal clear ahead of his ONE Championship debut: the Japanese kickboxing ace said Marat Grigorian was only the first obstacle in his path to compatriot Masaaki Noiri. “Marat is my stepping stone to the belt,” Anpo told the Post after the ONE 173 press conference in Tokyo. “When I met him backstage, I told him exactly why I came to ONE: to get revenge against Noiri. That’s my mission here.” Noiri, the interim featherweight kickboxing world champion, beat Anpo... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/kickboxing/article/3326109/one-championship-rukiya-anpo-says-marat-grigorian-just-stepping-stone-old-foe?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/kickboxing/article/3326109/one-championship-rukiya-anpo-says-marat-grigorian-just-stepping-stone-old-foe?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 19 Sep 2025 06:20:42 +0000 Andrew Whitelaw Andrew Whitelaw ONE Championship has officially added Japanese superstar Rukiya Anpo to its roster and confirmed two more world title bouts for its blockbuster ONE 173 card, set for November 16 in Japan. The event will now feature American Christian Lee’s highly anticipated rematch with Russia’s Alibeg Rasulov for the ONE lightweight MMA world title and a historic inaugural ONE atomweight Muay Thai world title fight between Nadaka Yoshinari and Numsurin Chor Ketwina. The announcement came during a press... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/kickboxing/article/3325338/one-championship-rukiya-anpo-signs-2-more-world-title-bouts-added-one-173-card?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/kickboxing/article/3325338/one-championship-rukiya-anpo-signs-2-more-world-title-bouts-added-one-173-card?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 12 Sep 2025 09:04:26 +0000 Andrew Whitelaw Andrew Whitelaw Denis Puric will step into the spotlight once again when he faces Japanese superstar Takeru Segawa at ONE 173 in Tokyo’s Ariake Arena on November 16, and the 40-year-old insisted he was more than prepared for the challenge. “I feel like I got another chance to go for the belt, at least in kickboxing,” Puric told the Post. “If I beat Takeru, I think it’s gonna be right there again. We put on a spectacle last time, so I’m just excited, man. I’m just excited to go in there and do what I do:... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/kickboxing/article/3323529/one-championship-denis-puric-rely-power-against-japanese-superstar-takeru-segawa?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/kickboxing/article/3323529/one-championship-denis-puric-rely-power-against-japanese-superstar-takeru-segawa?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 28 Aug 2025 11:32:54 +0000 Andrew Whitelaw Andrew Whitelaw Tawanchai PK Saenchai has admitted that defeat to Masaaki Noiri at ONE 172 has changed his outlook, and he is now a man on a mission. Tawanchai suffered a knockout loss to Noiri in Tokyo and was determined to use his next bout, against China’s Liu Mengyang at ONE Friday Fights 126 on September 26, as a springboard to redemption in kickboxing. The reigning ONE featherweight Muay Thai world champion is widely regarded as one of the finest technicians of his generation in the art of eight limbs,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/kickboxing/article/3323524/one-championship-tawanchai-pk-saenchai-use-liu-mengyang-bout-kickboxing-redemption?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/kickboxing/article/3323524/one-championship-tawanchai-pk-saenchai-use-liu-mengyang-bout-kickboxing-redemption?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 28 Aug 2025 11:06:59 +0000 Ben Jiang Ben Jiang Unitree Robotics and X-Humanoid emerged as the biggest winners by medal count at Sunday’s conclusion of the inaugural World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing, signalling the rapid advances being made by China in this nascent sector. Hangzhou-based Unitree won a total of 11 medals including four golds in the three-day event, which saw 280 teams from 16 countries compete in 26 sports, including kickboxing. The firm’s H1 robots scored golds in four track-and-field events: the 400-metre dash, the... https://www.scmp.com/tech/tech-trends/article/3322251/chinas-unitree-x-humanoid-top-medal-total-worlds-first-humanoid-robot-games?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/tech/tech-trends/article/3322251/chinas-unitree-x-humanoid-top-medal-total-worlds-first-humanoid-robot-games?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 18 Aug 2025 11:00:45 +0000 Andrew Whitelaw Andrew Whitelaw Regian Eersel added another emphatic chapter to his reign as ONE’s lightweight Muay Thai king, dispatching George Jarvis with a first-round knockout in the main event of ONE Fight Night 34 on Friday. The Suriname-born Dutchman needed just 84 seconds to finish off the British challenger at Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium, retaining his title and taking home a US$50,000 performance bonus. Eersel had spoken beforehand about a strategy to drag Jarvis into deep waters and score a late finish, but once the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/muay-thai/article/3320554/one-championship-regian-eersel-kos-george-jarvis-retain-lightweight-muay-thai-title?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/muay-thai/article/3320554/one-championship-regian-eersel-kos-george-jarvis-retain-lightweight-muay-thai-title?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 02 Aug 2025 14:19:23 +0000 Andrew Whitelaw Andrew Whitelaw When you’ve spent years covering fighters, you start to recognise the ones who have it. That undefinable X-factor. The kind of charisma and presence that doesn’t just fill an arena – it lingers in the memory. Takeru Segawa is one of those rare fighters. Across hundreds of interviews over the years, I’ve noticed a common thread, particularly with many Western fighters: they got into combat sports because of films: Kickboxer, Bloodsport, Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat. These films truly helped... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/kickboxing/article/3320067/one-championship-takeru-must-earn-chance-revenge-against-rodtang?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/kickboxing/article/3320067/one-championship-takeru-must-earn-chance-revenge-against-rodtang?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 30 Jul 2025 02:44:03 +0000 Andrew Whitelaw Andrew Whitelaw Newly crowned ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world champion Nabil Anane said he was ready for a superfight with Jonathan Haggerty – and his coach wanted it to happen as soon as September. The 21-year-old was handed the belt inside the ring at ONE Friday Fights 114 late last month, after Superlek Kiatmoo9 failed to make weight for their rematch back in March. It marked an unusual coronation for one of the sport’s fastest-rising stars, but Anane took it in his stride. “I didn’t know it was going to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/muay-thai/article/3317705/surprised-one-muay-thai-belt-holder-nabil-anane-keen-jonathan-haggerty-superfight?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/muay-thai/article/3317705/surprised-one-muay-thai-belt-holder-nabil-anane-keen-jonathan-haggerty-superfight?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 10 Jul 2025 08:42:59 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Muay Thai legend Superlek Kiatmoo9 said he did not expect to fight again this year, but had his sights set on three belts when he does finally return to the ring. Speaking during a visit to Hong Kong, the 29-year-old ended speculation he could feature at the star-studded ONE 173 event in Tokyo in November, saying his next bout could be “maybe by the start of next year”. While the current ONE Championship flyweight kickboxing title holder said he was more focused on that discipline for the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/kickboxing/article/3317493/one-championship-superlek-eyes-3-title-shots-says-he-wont-fight-again-year?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/kickboxing/article/3317493/one-championship-superlek-eyes-3-title-shots-says-he-wont-fight-again-year?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 09 Jul 2025 05:30:08 +0000 Lars Hamer Lars Hamer Hong Kong’s Muay Thai fans and fighters will have the opportunity to train with ONE Championship flyweight kickboxing world champion Superlek Kiatmoo9, with the “Kicking Machine” visiting the city for the first time this weekend. Considered one of the greatest exponents in Muay Thai history, the 29-year-old will host a seminar at the Tai Po Sports Association Li Fook Lam Indoor Sports Centre on Sunday. The organisers, Weedper Fitness Club and Ocean Muay Thai & Fitness, called the event “a rare... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3316354/muay-thai-legend-superlek-kiatmoo9-share-elite-fighting-techniques-hong-kong-fans?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3316354/muay-thai-legend-superlek-kiatmoo9-share-elite-fighting-techniques-hong-kong-fans?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 30 Jun 2025 07:45:10 +0000 Andrew Whitelaw Andrew Whitelaw ONE Championship has officially unveiled the first two matchups for its return to Japan later this year, and they are sure to have fans salivating at the prospect. At a glittering press conference in Tokyo on Monday, ONE boss Chatri Sityodtong revealed that Thailand’s Superbon Singha Mawyn would battle hometown hero Masaki Noiri for the right to be called undisputed ONE featherweight kickboxing world champion, while reigning heavyweight MMA king Oumar Kane would defend his belt against the man... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3315582/one-173-superbon-and-masaaki-noiri-set-title-unification-showdown-tokyo?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3315582/one-173-superbon-and-masaaki-noiri-set-title-unification-showdown-tokyo?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Jun 2025 04:26:05 +0000 Wency Chen Wency Chen Chinese humanoid robot maker Unitree Robotics plans to conduct a new round of fundraising, according to a local media report, intensifying speculation around the start-up’s potential initial public offering (IPO). Hangzhou-based Unitree’s latest financing initiative would value the company between 10 billion yuan and 15 billion yuan (US$1.4 billion and US$2.1 billion), Chinese digital media outlet Sohu Tech reported on Friday, citing sources. That would follow Unitree’s restructuring last week,... https://www.scmp.com/tech/tech-trends/article/3313444/chinas-unitree-eyes-pre-ipo-fundraising-valuing-robot-maker-us2-billion-report?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/tech/tech-trends/article/3313444/chinas-unitree-eyes-pre-ipo-fundraising-valuing-robot-maker-us2-billion-report?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 07 Jun 2025 01:00:42 +0000 Coco Feng Coco Feng Humanoid robots from start-up Unitree Robotics showed off their fighting form at a unique kickboxing competition held in Hangzhou on Sunday, weeks after Beijing hosted the world’s first half-marathon where these machines raced alongside humans. Organised by state-owned China Media Group and broadcast live by China Central Television (CCTV), the competition saw four Unitree G1 humanoid robots square off in one-on-one matches where they punched, kicked and even did a kip-up – an acrobatic... https://www.scmp.com/tech/tech-trends/article/3311831/ready-set-fight-unitrees-humanoid-robots-test-skills-unique-kickboxing-competition?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/tech/tech-trends/article/3311831/ready-set-fight-unitrees-humanoid-robots-test-skills-unique-kickboxing-competition?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 26 May 2025 12:30:17 +0000 Already the holder of ONE Championship heavyweight kickboxing and Muay Thai world titles, Roman Kryklia rode a 14-fight winning streak into Bangkok, and added another victim to his list, flattening Britain’s Lyndon Knowles in the first round of their clash at ONE Fight Night 30 on Saturday. The Ukrainian’s fifth consecutive knockout in the Muay Thai title bout came after an opening knockdown with a clean left hook. While Knowles beat the count, Kryklia sealed the deal with a clean right cross... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/muay-thai/article/3305339/kryklia-makes-short-work-knowles-one-fight-night-30-waiting-good-opponents?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/muay-thai/article/3305339/kryklia-makes-short-work-knowles-one-fight-night-30-waiting-good-opponents?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 05 Apr 2025 07:53:22 +0000 Phetjeeja Lukjaoporongtom said she was honoured to be taking part in ONE 172 in Tokyo on Sunday, when she defends her kickboxing title against Kana Morimoto in one of the biggest fights of her career. The Japanese icon is a former K-1 champion but has had mixed fortunes since signing with ONE, losing her debut to Anissa Meksen before bouncing back with a win over Sweden’s Moa Carlsson in January. Thai fighter Phetjeeja, meanwhile, comes into the bout on the back of an impressive 14-fight winning... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/kickboxing/article/3303457/one-championship-phetjeeja-shouldering-weight-expectation-ahead-morimoto-clash?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/kickboxing/article/3303457/one-championship-phetjeeja-shouldering-weight-expectation-ahead-morimoto-clash?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 22 Mar 2025 07:32:03 +0000 Marat Grigorian is ready to bring the fire to Tokyo as he prepares to face Japanese kickboxing star Kaito Ono at ONE 172. The Armenian powerhouse is no stranger to the bright lights, and he anticipates a banger at the Saitama Super Arena. “I like the fight card, it’s very exciting,” he told the Post. “Every fight has something special. You need to watch this fight.” Kaito has been hailed as Japan’s top kickboxer, and Grigorian is eager to test him in the ring. “I heard he’s the best Japanese... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/kickboxing/article/3303401/one-172-marat-grigorian-vows-bring-fire-against-top-japanese-kickboxer-kaito-ono?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/kickboxing/article/3303401/one-172-marat-grigorian-vows-bring-fire-against-top-japanese-kickboxer-kaito-ono?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 21 Mar 2025 12:47:30 +0000 Tawanchai P.K. Saenchai will face Masaaki Noiri for the ONE Interim Featherweight Kickboxing World Title at ONE 172 in Tokyo later this month, and he is set to arrive in Japan very much back to his best. The Thai star has the skills, the look and the coveted X-factor that make him one of the most electrifying Muay Thai fighters of his generation. By his own standards, though, he had not quite produced the goods in recent fights despite grinding out the wins. But that changed in his last... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/kickboxing/article/3301670/one-172-tawanchai-pk-saenchai-back-his-best-time-face-masaki-noiri-tokyo?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/kickboxing/article/3301670/one-172-tawanchai-pk-saenchai-back-his-best-time-face-masaki-noiri-tokyo?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 09 Mar 2025 09:30:08 +0000 Chinese striking sensation Wei Rui believes his time has come and has made his intentions clear ahead of battling Jonathan Haggerty for the ONE bantamweight kickboxing title in Qatar on Thursday. The pair will be the last to clash at ONE 171, and Wei said he would take “the belt as payment” for the kickboxing lesson he planned to hand out. A former K-1 champion and WLF title-holder, Wei arrives in Doha riding an extraordinary 21-fight winning streak. His most recent victory, a unanimous decision... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/kickboxing/article/3299508/one-171-wei-rui-vows-give-jonathan-haggerty-kickboxing-lesson-will-take-belt-payment?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/kickboxing/article/3299508/one-171-wei-rui-vows-give-jonathan-haggerty-kickboxing-lesson-will-take-belt-payment?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 20 Feb 2025 14:50:27 +0000 Anissa Meksen joined ONE Championship to win a title. She had already claimed numerous belts during her career competing in Muay Thai and kickboxing but wanted to add another to the collection in the final stages of her career. The French fighter came up short against Phetjeeja Lukjaoporongtom at ONE Friday Fights 46 last year. That fight had the atomweight kickboxing title on the line but she will get a second chance to go for gold next month. Meksen is facing Jackie Buntan at ONE 169 next... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/kickboxing/article/3283353/one-championship-anissa-meksen-hopes-cap-career-strawweight-kickboxing-crown?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/kickboxing/article/3283353/one-championship-anissa-meksen-hopes-cap-career-strawweight-kickboxing-crown?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 22 Oct 2024 06:49:25 +0000 Japanese K-1 star Kana Morimoto has made the switch to ONE Championship, a move unlikely to improve the frosty relations between the two promotions. The 32-year-old announced her decision on social media, becoming the latest in a long line of K-1 champions to join Chatri Sityodtong’s outfit. Morimoto has spent a significant part of the past several years calling out ONE’s Annisa Meksen, although in October last year Chatri poured cold water on the idea of the two clashing, saying the Japanese... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/kickboxing/article/3277832/k-1-star-kana-morimoto-makes-switch-one-championship-wants-phetjeejas-atomweight-belt?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/kickboxing/article/3277832/k-1-star-kana-morimoto-makes-switch-one-championship-wants-phetjeejas-atomweight-belt?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Sep 2024 13:12:34 +0000 Rukiya Anpo set tongues wagging with an Instagram post yesterday, in which the Rizin star shared a photo of a ONE Championship title along with a caption that read: “One of a kind.” Anpo is a former super lightweight champion with Japanese professional kickboxing promotion K-1, but his past two fights have taken place on events promoted by Japanese mixed martial arts organisation Rizin. View this post on Instagram A post shared by 安保瑠輝也 Rukiya ampo... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3274996/one-championship-rizins-rukiya-anpo-hints-one-link-ryan-garcia-possible-diversion?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3274996/one-championship-rizins-rukiya-anpo-hints-one-link-ryan-garcia-possible-diversion?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 19 Aug 2024 05:53:38 +0000 Oumar Kane said he would need just one punch to beat triple world champion Anatoly Malykhin when they clash for the heavyweight title at ONE 169 in September. The outspoken Senegalese star said the Russian, who holds titles in three different divisions and has a 14-0 record in MMA, had only been successful because his previous opponents were too timid. And despite being a huge underdog, Kane (6-1), said his victory over Marcus Almeida last year was a bigger fight than the coming one in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/kickboxing/article/3269487/one-championship-ill-take-malykhins-heavyweight-mma-belt-one-punch-says-kane?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/kickboxing/article/3269487/one-championship-ill-take-malykhins-heavyweight-mma-belt-one-punch-says-kane?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 07 Jul 2024 07:26:05 +0000 Oumar Kane will face social media rival Mamadou Kamara in a kickboxing contest at ONE Fight Night 23, before taking on Anatoly Malykhin for the MMA heavyweight title in November. Better known as “Reug Reug”, Kane has been on the receiving end of snipes from both of his coming opponents in recent weeks. Malykhin, who will put his belt on the line at ONE 169, was scathing about the Senegal fighter’s ability when asked how he felt about their coming battle for his belt. “The only thing ‘Reug Reug’... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/kickboxing/article/3268845/one-championship-reug-reug-faces-social-media-rival-boucher-ketchup-title-fight?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/kickboxing/article/3268845/one-championship-reug-reug-faces-social-media-rival-boucher-ketchup-title-fight?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 02 Jul 2024 07:59:11 +0000 Prajanchai PKSaenchaigym earned a far from convincing decision win over Jonathan Di Bella to capture the kickboxing strawweight title in the ONE Friday Fights 68 main event. A local hero in Bangkok, he said after the victory that he felt the pressure of fighting in front of his supporters at the Lumpinee Stadium. As well as the fans inside, Prajanchai is loved by those watching on television as well, with millions of viewers tuning into the fight which was only available on pay-per-view. “I’m... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/article/3268611/one-championship-prajanchais-relief-after-win-claim-kickboxing-strawweight-title?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/article/3268611/one-championship-prajanchais-relief-after-win-claim-kickboxing-strawweight-title?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 30 Jun 2024 10:33:05 +0000 Prajanchai PKSaenchaigym said he was still getting used to the rules of kickboxing after claiming the ONE Championship strawweight title. The Thai fighter, who is better known for his exploits in Muay Thai, surged to a unanimous decision win over former champion Jonathan Di Bella in Bangkok on Friday. Headlining the ONE Friday Fights 68 event, Prajanchai overcame a slow start, where Di Bella made the most of his height advantage to score with some straight punches, to dominate the closing three... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/kickboxing/article/3268550/one-championship-prajanchai-adds-kickboxing-title-collection-superlek-wins-warm?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/kickboxing/article/3268550/one-championship-prajanchai-adds-kickboxing-title-collection-superlek-wins-warm?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 29 Jun 2024 02:17:21 +0000 Thai fighters do not traditionally engage in trash talk. But Rodtang Jitmuangnon is clearly ready to make an exception for Denis Puric and warned his opponent he is in for a torrid time on Saturday. “He will see hell on earth this Saturday.” Puric’s ability to cut a promo is probably what secured him this fight, a flyweight kickboxing bout at ONE 167. In the aftermath of his win over Jacob Smith at ONE Fight Night 21, all the Canadian wanted to talk about was Rodtang. The media lapped it up and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/article/3265631/rodtang-jitmuangnon-promises-denis-puric-hell-earth-their-one-167-bout-saturday?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/article/3265631/rodtang-jitmuangnon-promises-denis-puric-hell-earth-their-one-167-bout-saturday?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 06 Jun 2024 09:29:53 +0000 ONE Championship announced on Tuesday it would be launching a featherweight kickboxing grand prix in 2024, the third time the competition has featured fighters from this division. Unlikely traditional fighting events, a Grand Prix is a knockout event where a fighter will be eliminated with defeat or go through to the next round and eventually the final. The inaugural featherweight kickboxing grand prix took place in 2019 and featured eight fighters. It was won by Giorgio Petrosyan who looks set... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/kickboxing/article/3263955/one-championship-announce-featherweight-kickboxing-grand-prix-eliminator-event-likely-see-winner?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/kickboxing/article/3263955/one-championship-announce-featherweight-kickboxing-grand-prix-eliminator-event-likely-see-winner?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 24 May 2024 07:37:00 +0000 Denis Puric will tackle one of the best in the business next month, but far from being intimidated by the prospect believes he can take down Rodtang Jitmuangnon at ONE 167. At 39 years old, the Bosnian-born fighter, who learned his trade in Canada, is far closer to the end of his career than its rough beginnings in a refugee camp, but believes victory on June 8 could give him a title shot he has spent two decades pursuing. While Rodtang is more famous for his Muay Thai exploits, the pair will... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/kickboxing/article/3263235/one-championship-puric-says-rodtang-has-no-chance-kickboxing-bout-looks-title-fights-when-i-win?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/kickboxing/article/3263235/one-championship-puric-says-rodtang-has-no-chance-kickboxing-bout-looks-title-fights-when-i-win?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 May 2024 04:25:39 +0000 Sittichai Sitsongpeenong is looking to get his career back on track when he fights promotional newcomer Masaaki Noiri at ONE 167 next month. The Thai fighter was previously the Glory lightweight champion and at one stage considered to be one of the best kickboxers on the planet. But his reputation has been dented by a couple of recent losses. Standing in his way is a former K-1 lightweight and super lightweight champion and someone regarded as being one of the best pound for pound kickboxers in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/kickboxing/article/3262782/one-championship-sittichai-sitsongpeenong-looking-get-career-back-track-against-debutant-masaaki?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/kickboxing/article/3262782/one-championship-sittichai-sitsongpeenong-looking-get-career-back-track-against-debutant-masaaki?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 15 May 2024 08:56:12 +0000 Former bantamweight kickboxing champions Petchtanong Banchamek and Alaverdi Ramazanov are set to make their returns after prolonged absences when they face off at ONE Fight Night 23 on July 6. Petchtanong was the first champion to fall foul of ONE Championship’s drug testing protocols when he was handed a one-year ban and stripped of his belt after testing positive for both metenolone and boldenone. Ramazanov, meanwhile, is also returning from a six-month suspension after he entered the ring and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/kickboxing/article/3262444/one-championship-petchtanong-banchamek-alaverdi-ramazanov-face-after-returning-bans-title-shot-view?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/kickboxing/article/3262444/one-championship-petchtanong-banchamek-alaverdi-ramazanov-face-after-returning-bans-title-shot-view?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 13 May 2024 06:05:23 +0000 Wei Rui would not be celebrating a debut win if ONE Championship boss Chatri Sityodtong had been judging his fight against Hiroki Akimoto this weekend. While the Chinese fighter was awarded victory by unanimous decision in the bantamweight bout at ONE Fight Night 22, Chatri said a “cloud of controversy” hung over the outcome. And although Wei felt his next fight should be challenging bantamweight kickboxing champion Jonathan Haggerty for his title, CEO Chatri has other ideas. There is also the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/kickboxing/article/3261483/one-championship-boss-chatri-says-judges-wrong-and-hiroki-akimoto-clearly-won-wei-fight?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/kickboxing/article/3261483/one-championship-boss-chatri-says-judges-wrong-and-hiroki-akimoto-clearly-won-wei-fight?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 05 May 2024 10:11:47 +0000 Two former title challengers will face off for a newly introduced belt at the ONE Fight Night 23 main event, with four bouts set for Lumpinee Stadium on July 6. Jackie Buntan faces Anissa Meksen in the showpiece with the winner set to be crowned the inaugural strawweight kickboxing champion. Filipino-American fighter Buntan has been competing in this division for her entire professional career while her French-Algerian opponent is moving up in weight. Buntan previously challenged for the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/kickboxing/article/3260886/one-fight-night-23-jackie-buntan-v-anissa-meksen-main-event-inaugural-strawweight-kickboxing-title?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/kickboxing/article/3260886/one-fight-night-23-jackie-buntan-v-anissa-meksen-main-event-inaugural-strawweight-kickboxing-title?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 30 Apr 2024 05:27:55 +0000 Wei Rui makes his ONE Championship debut in Bangkok this weekend, but the Chinese fighter is no rookie. The 34-year-old, who made his professional debut more than a decade ago, goes into his bantamweight kickboxing contest against Hiroko Akimoto at ONE Fight Night 22 on the back of a 20-fight winning streak. Wei’s last defeat came in 2018, when he was knocked out by Koya Urabe in a K-1 super lightweight title fight. In the intervening years, he has enjoyed sustained success at home and abroad,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/kickboxing/article/3260764/chinese-veteran-wei-rui-set-one-championship-debut-against-hiroko-akimoto-back-20-bout-winning?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/kickboxing/article/3260764/chinese-veteran-wei-rui-set-one-championship-debut-against-hiroko-akimoto-back-20-bout-winning?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 29 Apr 2024 06:42:31 +0000 Ben Tynan’s march towards the heavyweight MMA belt has led him to former title challenger Mauro Cerilli after the pair were matched at ONE 167. Tynan (6-0) is already two for two in the ONE Championship. He made his debut in November and submitted hard-hitting Korean Kang Ji Won in the third round. The 30-year-old was also in action earlier this month and finished Duke Didier inside the opening round and his unblemished record, as well as his preference for wearing denim-style shorts in the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3260152/one-championship-tynan-face-cerilli-bangkok-march-heavyweight-mma-title-belt-continues?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3260152/one-championship-tynan-face-cerilli-bangkok-march-heavyweight-mma-title-belt-continues?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 24 Apr 2024 05:32:56 +0000 Reigning flyweight Muay Thai champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon’s will return to kickboxing in June to face the Bosnian Denis Puric in a non-title fight at ONE 167. The bout gives Puric the fight he said he wanted after his decision win over Jacob Smith at ONE Fight Night 21 earlier this month. “I think stylistically that would be the match up of the year,” the Bosnian said. “I’ve nothing against the guy [Rodtang], I love the guy, but I’m here to fight the best and he is the best.” Rodtang’s... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/muay-thai/article/3259394/one-championship-rodtang-faces-denis-puric-flyweight-kickboxing-bout-one-167?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/muay-thai/article/3259394/one-championship-rodtang-faces-denis-puric-flyweight-kickboxing-bout-one-167?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 18 Apr 2024 00:05:15 +0000 ONE Fight Night 22 will have a distinctly Chinese feel, with kickboxing legend Wei Rui one of three fighters from the country to have been added to the card for Bangkok on May 4. Wei Rui is set to take on Hiroki Akimoto in a bantamweight kickboxing bout. The Japanese fighter is a former champion and ranked No 1 in the division, meaning that the winner will be well positioned for a shot at Jonathan Haggerty’s belt. In the flyweight division, Hu Yong (12-4) has been matched with Reece McLaren... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3258591/one-fight-night-22-wei-rui-leads-chinese-contingent-bangkok-bantamweight-kickboxing-clash-against?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3258591/one-fight-night-22-wei-rui-leads-chinese-contingent-bangkok-bantamweight-kickboxing-clash-against?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 11 Apr 2024 03:24:35 +0000