https://www.scmp.com/rss/517308/feed James has been based in Thailand for the past 15 years. He has worked for newspapers such as The Guardian, The Times and The National (UAE), as well as for broadcasters including the BBC and Al Jazeera. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Wei Rui came up short in his bantamweight kickboxing title fight against Jonathan Haggerty at ONE 171 at Lusail Arena, Qatar on Thursday. Haggerty came into the fight off a devastating knockout loss at the hands of Superlek Kiatmoo9 last year, which saw him relinquish the belt – and the Englishman produced a slow start, which he attributed afterwards to a dent in his self-confidence. Wei fired off quick combinations of punches and elbows to kick off the bout and looked set to hand Haggerty his... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/article/3299540/one-championship-chinese-fighter-wei-rei-loses-points-jonathan-haggerty-title-fight?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/article/3299540/one-championship-chinese-fighter-wei-rei-loses-points-jonathan-haggerty-title-fight?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 21 Feb 2025 02:17:10 +0000 The card for ONE 169 at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok on November 9 now appears to be complete with the addition of three fights, bringing the line-up to 12 bouts. Among this latest batch of matchups is an atomweight MMA bout that pits the experienced Ayaka Miura against undefeated newcomer Macarena Aragon. Miura started life with ONE Championship as a strawweight and challenged for that title in 2022, when she lost to champion Xiong Jing Nan by decision. The 34-year-old dropped down a division... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3284458/one-championship-ayaka-miura-v-macarena-aragon-2-other-bouts-complete-line-one-169?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3284458/one-championship-ayaka-miura-v-macarena-aragon-2-other-bouts-complete-line-one-169?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 30 Oct 2024 08:07:45 +0000 ONE 170 is set for Impact Arena in Bangkok on January 24. It will also serve as the set for the filming of some scenes for The Beast in Me, an upcoming movie featuring Gladiator star Russell Crowe. Among the matches to have been confirmed so far are two title fights. The main event will be a rematch that features Tawanchai PKSaenchaigym putting his featherweight Muay Thai title on the line against Superbon Singha Mawynn. The two men first met at ONE Friday Fights 46 last December, with Tawanchai... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/muay-thai/article/3283837/one-championship-tawanchai-pksaenchaigym-puts-title-line-scene-russell-crowe-film?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/muay-thai/article/3283837/one-championship-tawanchai-pksaenchaigym-puts-title-line-scene-russell-crowe-film?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 25 Oct 2024 07:26:38 +0000 Rodtang Jitmuangnon has been here before. In 2022 he fought Jacob Smith at ONE 157 and claimed a lopsided decision win over the Englishman inside the cage in Singapore. Next month, he faces Smith again at ONE 169 in Bangkok – but a few things have changed. For one, Rodtang’s flyweight Muay Thai title will be on the line this time. For another, the two men will face off inside a ring, not a cage. However, one thing that has not changed, at least according to Rodtang, is his opponent. He feels... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/muay-thai/article/3283654/one-championship-rodtang-jitmuangnon-wary-slow-durable-jacob-smith-title-bout?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/muay-thai/article/3283654/one-championship-rodtang-jitmuangnon-wary-slow-durable-jacob-smith-title-bout?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 24 Oct 2024 07:01:37 +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 Sage Northcutt’s six-year career with ONE Championship has come to an end after a mutual agreement to terminate his contract. The American’s last fight with a submission victory over Ahmed Mujtaba at ONE Fight Night 10 in May 2023. “ONE Championship and Sage Northcutt have mutually agreed to his release from the organisation,” a statement from the promotion read. “ONE wishes Northcutt the best in his future endeavours.” Northcutt’s ONE Championship career got off to a terrible start in 2019,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/article/3283083/one-championship-announce-sage-northcutts-contracted-terminated-mutual-agreement?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/article/3283083/one-championship-announce-sage-northcutts-contracted-terminated-mutual-agreement?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 20 Oct 2024 02:55:38 +0000 Jackie Buntan said she is the “underdog” when she faces Anissa Meksen for the newly minted strawweight kickboxing title at ONE 169. Despite being a ONE Championship veteran of seven fights and among the top female competitors on the roster for the past four years, this will be her first kickboxing match. Meksen, meanwhile, has never competed in the top division but Buntan still has the French-Algerian as favourite. “On paper, I’m the underdog,” Buntan said. “It’s my first kickboxing fight. “She... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/article/3282952/one-championship-buntan-underdog-kickboxing-title-meksen-one-169?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/article/3282952/one-championship-buntan-underdog-kickboxing-title-meksen-one-169?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 18 Oct 2024 09:47:35 +0000 China’s Zhang Peimian will face former strawweight kickboxing champion Sam-A Gaiyanghadao at Lumpinee Stadium on November 9, with victory giving him a possible shot at the title. Zhang fought for the strawweight kickboxing belt in 2022 but lost by decision to Jonathan Di Bella. Since then, he has won two of his three fights, with each going the distance, and will be looking for a third victory by beating Sam-A at ONE 169. Sam-A won the strawweight kickboxing title in 2019 but never got to defend... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/article/3282606/one-championship-chinas-zhang-peimian-faces-former-kickboxing-champion-one-169?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/article/3282606/one-championship-chinas-zhang-peimian-faces-former-kickboxing-champion-one-169?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 16 Oct 2024 09:49:16 +0000 Jonathan Haggerty said it took him a while to get over the devastating 49-second defeat to Superlek Kiatmoo9 at ONE 168. It was a highly anticipated encounter which the Englishman trained hard for in preparation, so it was particularly disappointing for it to be over so quickly. “Everything was perfect, we had no excuses,” Haggerty told Sky Sports. “I was gutted for the first three days, I kept going over scenarios in my head but it is what it is.” Haggerty said he took the fight to Superlek... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/article/3282536/one-championship-jonathan-haggerty-opens-devastating-defeat-superlek-kiatmoo9?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/article/3282536/one-championship-jonathan-haggerty-opens-devastating-defeat-superlek-kiatmoo9?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 16 Oct 2024 03:35:38 +0000 The strawweight kickboxing title fight between Jackie Buntan and Anissa Meksen has been rescheduled for ONE 169. The two will face off for the newly minted belt at Lumpinee Stadium on November 9. The fight had originally been scheduled for ONE Fight Night 23 on July 6 but Buntan pulled out after suffering an unspecified injury in training. Meksen will be moving up in weight to challenge for the title. Buntan, who is coming off a three-fight winning streak, has spent her entire ONE Championship... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/muay-thai/article/3281956/one-championship-jackie-buntan-face-anissa-meksen-strawweight-title-bout-one-169?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/muay-thai/article/3281956/one-championship-jackie-buntan-face-anissa-meksen-strawweight-title-bout-one-169?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 11 Oct 2024 02:56:05 +0000 Johan Estupinan has won two fights in two months and picked up US$100,000 worth of bonuses, but life has not always been like this. After his win over Zakaria El Jamari at ONE Fight Night 25 last Saturday, the 22-year-old, rapidly becoming a fan favourite for his exciting and explosive style, told the Post why he fights with such urgency. The Colombian explained that it stemmed from a difficult upbringing in Santiago de Cali. “I’m fighting for happiness,” Estupinan said. “We had a very rough... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/muay-thai/article/3281678/one-championship-johan-estupinan-says-tough-colombia-upbringing-inspired-all-action-style?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/muay-thai/article/3281678/one-championship-johan-estupinan-says-tough-colombia-upbringing-inspired-all-action-style?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 09 Oct 2024 07:51:01 +0000 Regian Eersel and Alexis Nicolas went the distance for the second time at ONE Fight Night 25 on Saturday. The length of the fight was identical to their first meeting but the outcome was different with the Dutch fighter being crowned the winner, recapturing his lightweight kickboxing title. Eersel took a very aggressive approach to this rematch at Lumpinee Stadium, charging forwards while throwing punches and knees. It forced Nicolas to fight on the back foot and he spent the start of the fight... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/kickboxing/article/3281231/one-championship-regian-eersel-recaptures-lightweight-kickboxing-title-fight-night-25?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/kickboxing/article/3281231/one-championship-regian-eersel-recaptures-lightweight-kickboxing-title-fight-night-25?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 05 Oct 2024 13:36:08 +0000 ONE Championship’s partnership with Prime Video is set to continue until at least the end of 2025 with 14 more events announced. The majority of the shows will take place in Bangkok but two of them will be in the US with other venues yet to be confirmed. The first event on the schedule is ONE 169 which is set for Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok on November 9. That has been moved from Atlanta and will be headlined by a heavyweight title fight pitting Anatoly Malykhin against Oumar Kane, better known... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3281229/one-championship-announces-14-prime-video-events?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3281229/one-championship-announces-14-prime-video-events?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 05 Oct 2024 13:23:54 +0000 Now that he is the ONE Championship lightweight kickboxing champion, Alexis Nicolas feels he is finally starting to get the credit he deserves in his native France. Nicolas, who rematches Regian Eersel at ONE Fight Night 25 this weekend, said it was down to him to fly the flag for kickboxing in France after Cedric Doumbe, previously the Glory welterweight champion, switched codes a couple of years ago. “The French are proud of me because we had Cedric Doumbe but now he is an MMA fighter, so I am... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/kickboxing/article/3281131/one-championship-alexis-nicolas-relishes-regian-eersel-rematch-fight-night-25?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/kickboxing/article/3281131/one-championship-alexis-nicolas-relishes-regian-eersel-rematch-fight-night-25?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 04 Oct 2024 10:28:44 +0000 Chinese fighter Banma Duoji’s next step on his journey from bully victim at school to ONE Championship veteran sees him face Danial Williams at ONE Fight Night 25 on Saturday. Just 25 years of age, the flyweight is already an experienced mixed martial artist with 18 fights under his belt. And ahead of his big fight at Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium, Duoji recalls how his difficult childhood forced him to become a fighter. “My father left when I was born,” Duoji said. “My family was really poor and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/article/3280887/one-championship-chinas-banma-duoji-has-gone-child-bully-victim-fight-veteran?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/article/3280887/one-championship-chinas-banma-duoji-has-gone-child-bully-victim-fight-veteran?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 03 Oct 2024 03:48:56 +0000 ONE Championship’s Denver event in September earned more than US$1 million in revenue, beating that of wrestling promotion WWE from five days earlier. Superlek Kiatmoo9 beat Jonathan Haggerty to win the bantamweight Muay Thai world title belt in ONE 168’s hotly anticipated main event on September 6. And, according to figures reported by the Wrestling Observer – the go to source for viewership and attendance figures across the combat sport spectrum – it was a smash-hit at the box office. It even... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/article/3280745/one-championships-denver-event-topped-wwe-figures-mind-boggling-us1m-revenue?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/article/3280745/one-championships-denver-event-topped-wwe-figures-mind-boggling-us1m-revenue?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 02 Oct 2024 03:39:15 +0000 Superbon Singha Mawynn has called for a rematch with Tawanchai PKSaenchaigym after his brutal knockout over Jo Nattawut at ONE Friday Fights 81. Tawanchai is scheduled to defend his featherweight Muay Thai title belt against Nattawut at ONE 169 next month. But Superbon has thrown a spanner in the works with his first-round victory over Nattawut. The 34-year-old previously suffered a narrow defeat when he faced Tawanchai at ONE Friday Fights 46 in December and now has revenge on his mind. “I want... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/article/3280492/one-championship-superbon-wants-shot-tawanchais-title-after-ko-win-against-nattawut?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/article/3280492/one-championship-superbon-wants-shot-tawanchais-title-after-ko-win-against-nattawut?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 30 Sep 2024 04:36:40 +0000 Chelsea fullback Reece James is known for sliding into tackles but this week the England international footballer slid into Rodtang Jitmuangnon’s DMs (direct messages) as well. James, 24, got in touch with the Muay Thai fighter to inquire about the possibility of training with him in Thailand. James is regarded as potentially one of the best full-backs in the world, but these days he spends more time on the treatment table than on the pitch – he has been sidelined by a series of hamstring... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3280096/one-championship-chelsea-defender-reece-james-asks-about-training-rodtang-jitmuangnon?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3280096/one-championship-chelsea-defender-reece-james-asks-about-training-rodtang-jitmuangnon?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 26 Sep 2024 11:46:29 +0000 When Takeru Segawa first signed with ONE Championship in early 2023, everyone assumed he would be facing Rodtang Jitmuangnon first. It was the fight the promotion wanted to see, but more than a year later, fans are still waiting for the two to face off. The bout was booked for ONE 165 in January but Rodtang withdrew because of an arm injury. He was replaced by Superlek Kiatmoo9, who beat Takeru convincingly in Tokyo, and the Japanese fighter has not competed since. Takeru is scheduled to fight... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3279930/one-championship-much-awaited-fight-between-takeru-rodtang-already-locked-says-ceo?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3279930/one-championship-much-awaited-fight-between-takeru-rodtang-already-locked-says-ceo?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 25 Sep 2024 09:56:37 +0000 The name Emily Chong would not have been familiar to many people before her impressive win at ONE Friday Fights 80 last week. The teenager from Hong Kong beat Koko Ohara by decision at Lumpinee Stadium and says the win in her first fight was the culmination of a journey that began six years ago. Chong, who is a student at the University of Hong Kong, told the Post after the fight that she was now a professional Muay Thai fighter competing at the top level but that training started out as a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/muay-thai/article/3279633/one-championship-hong-kongs-emily-chong-has-impressive-debut-win-against-japanese-rival?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/muay-thai/article/3279633/one-championship-hong-kongs-emily-chong-has-impressive-debut-win-against-japanese-rival?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 23 Sep 2024 09:49:27 +0000 Undefeated ONE Championship fighter Ilias Ennahachi has demanded more respect for his achievements so far. The Dutch-Moroccan kickboxer is the only man to beat Superlek Kiatmoo9 in a ONE Championship bout, which looks all the more impressive given the Thai fighter’s form. Ennahachi never lost his flyweight title in the ring and was only forced to vacate it because of issues with weight. And, ahead of his battle with Hiroki Akimoto at ONE Friday Fights 81 next week, he said his impressive resume... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/article/3279422/one-championship-undefeated-ennahachi-only-man-beat-superlek-demands-more-respect?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/article/3279422/one-championship-undefeated-ennahachi-only-man-beat-superlek-demands-more-respect?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 21 Sep 2024 05:19:27 +0000 Kiamran Nabati has yet to lose in nine years as a professional fighter but faces his toughest test yet when he takes on former bantamweight champion Nong-O Gaiyanghadao at ONE Friday Fights 81. Wins against three top Thai fighters at the Lumpinee Stadium saw the Russian fighter earn a multi-fight contract with ONE Championship. And now he has a shot at the third-ranked fighter in the bantamweight division. “It has been step by step, but now I am fighting with a legend,” Nabati told the Post.... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/article/3279088/one-championship-undefeated-nabati-eyes-superlek-belt-beating-nong-o-coming-fight?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/article/3279088/one-championship-undefeated-nabati-eyes-superlek-belt-beating-nong-o-coming-fight?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 19 Sep 2024 04:04:28 +0000 Panpayak Jitmuangnon says he is the only fighter who can beat ONE Championship kickboxing and Muay Thai king, Superlek Kiatmoo9. A decade ago, Panpayak was considered the best pound-for-pound Muay Thai fighter on the planet but he has not fought since his split-decision loss to Superlek in 2022. Superlek has beaten eight fighters since Panpayak last fought – including Takeru Segawa, Rodtang Jitmuangnon and Jonathan Haggerty – picking up kickboxing and Muay Thai titles. But ahead of Panpayak’s... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/article/3278734/one-championship-panpayak-eyes-superlek-trilogy-only-i-can-stop-muay-thai-king?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/article/3278734/one-championship-panpayak-eyes-superlek-trilogy-only-i-can-stop-muay-thai-king?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 16 Sep 2024 09:25:26 +0000 Marcus Almeida and Amir Aliakbari will face off in a Heavyweight clash recently added to the ONE 169 card in Atlanta on November 8. It will be the first fight of the year for Almeida, who suffered the only defeat of his career against Oumar Kane at Fight Night 13 last August. The 34-year-old holds a 4-1 record and is a BJJ black belt with a very impressive grappling resume. He has won the IBJJF world championships an incredible 13 times, as well as numerous other tournaments. Aliakbari,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/article/3278577/one-championship-heavyweight-bout-added-one-169-between-marcus-almeida-amir-aliakbari?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/article/3278577/one-championship-heavyweight-bout-added-one-169-between-marcus-almeida-amir-aliakbari?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 15 Sep 2024 03:00:15 +0000 Chinese fighter Banma Duoji will take part at Fight Night 25 after six fights were added to the card, with the co-main event likely cancelled. Denice Zamboanga had to pull out of her interim atomweight title fight with Alyona Rassohyna following a hamstring injury. However, Chinese flyweight Banma has been matched with Danial Williams at Lumpinee Stadium on October 3. Williams, a fighter of mixed Thai and New Zealand heritage, is a ONE Championship veteran who has competed in MMA and Muay Thai... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3278170/one-championship-chinese-fighter-banma-duoji-added-fight-night-24-main-event-doubt?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3278170/one-championship-chinese-fighter-banma-duoji-added-fight-night-24-main-event-doubt?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Sep 2024 02:31:44 +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 Superlek Kiatmoo9 finished off Jonathan Haggerty inside 49 seconds in their main event bout at ONE 168 to become the new bantamweight Muay Thai world champion. Haggerty took an aggressive approach in this rematch and was made to pay, unable to recover after lunging into a hard right elbow. The incumbent champion looked to take the fight to his rival from the opening bell as he attacked with punches and kicks, but the challenger stood his ground and waited for an opening. And just 30 seconds in,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/article/3277594/one-championship-superlek-stuns-haggerty-49-seconds-win-bantamweight-muay-thai-belt?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/article/3277594/one-championship-superlek-stuns-haggerty-49-seconds-win-bantamweight-muay-thai-belt?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 07 Sep 2024 05:09:32 +0000 MMA legend Demetrious Johnson announced his retirement during ONE 168 in Denver. The 38-year-old American was the reigning ONE Championship flyweight champion and will go down as one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time. Johnson held the UFC 125lbs title for six years and defended it 11 times before signing for ONE Championship, where he finished his fighting career and held the flyweight title until his retirement. Johnson was at the Ball Arena in Denver for ONE 168 and made an... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/article/3277590/one-championship-mma-goat-demetrious-johnson-announces-retirement-during-one-168?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/article/3277590/one-championship-mma-goat-demetrious-johnson-announces-retirement-during-one-168?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 07 Sep 2024 03:49:03 +0000 Takeru Segawa cannot wait to experience fighting at the famous Lumpinee Stadium for the first time when he takes on Thant Zin at ONE Friday Fights 81 on September 27. The former K-1 champion is better known as a kickboxer than a Muay Thai fighter and, though he spent time training in Thailand as a child, he had never before stepped inside the ring at Lumpinee. “I fought at Rajadamnern Stadium when I was still in high school, so I am very happy to be able to fight at Lumpinee, another great hall... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/article/3277581/one-championship-takeru-segawa-excited-finally-fight-lumpinee-stadium?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/article/3277581/one-championship-takeru-segawa-excited-finally-fight-lumpinee-stadium?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 07 Sep 2024 01:59:38 +0000 Adrian Lee said he felt “really nervous” on his ONE Championship debut, despite securing the victory over Antonio Mammarella at ONE 167 in June. Hailing from a famous family within the promotion, there was a lot of attention on the 18-year-old lightweight’s first fight. His siblings Angela, Christian and Victoria have all won titles at ONE Championship and, despite Adrian having accompanied them to fights in the past, it did not compare to actually getting into the ring. “It was definitely... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/article/3277277/one-championship-adrian-lee-was-really-nervous-during-debut-despite-submission-win?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/article/3277277/one-championship-adrian-lee-was-really-nervous-during-debut-despite-submission-win?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 05 Sep 2024 04:57:19 +0000 MMA is not a job for life. Very few fighters earn enough money to retire once they hang up the gloves, and as John Lineker comes towards the end of his career, he is already planning the next stage. Lineker, though, is not looking to transition into punditry or coaching, or any of the roles traditionally associated with the sport. Instead, he is making plans in a totally different industry, and fittingly, the man nicknamed ‘Hands of Stone’, has started a construction company. “It’s something... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3277035/veteran-fighter-john-lineker-already-building-future-outside-one-championship?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3277035/veteran-fighter-john-lineker-already-building-future-outside-one-championship?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 03 Sep 2024 10:25:49 +0000 Liam Harrison said he wants to “enjoy” his long-awaited fight with Seksan Or Kwanmuang and has not even prepared a game plan. The two go head-to-head in Denver for ONE 168 on Friday in a catchweight Muay Thai bout. The English fighter turns 39 next month and is determined to savour every second until retirement. “I just want to enjoy everything because I don’t know when it will be my last time and I will look back and say: ‘I wish I could still do that’,” Harrison said. “I’m not even bothering... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/article/3276816/one-championship-liam-harrison-ready-enjoy-long-awaited-battle-seksan-denver?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/article/3276816/one-championship-liam-harrison-ready-enjoy-long-awaited-battle-seksan-denver?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 02 Sep 2024 04:56:05 +0000 Superlek Kiatmoo9 said fighting Jonathan Haggerty at ONE 168 is nothing special and that there are many more difficult fights than facing the double world champion. Haggerty holds the ONE bantamweight Muay Thai and kickboxing belts and was previously a world champion in the Flyweight Muay Thai division. He faces Superlek in the main event in Denver’s Ball Arena on September 6 but the Thai fighter is not impressed by his coming opponent. “There are many fighters who are more difficult to fight... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/article/3276544/one-championship-superlek-not-impressed-jonathan-haggerty-ahead-title-showdown?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/article/3276544/one-championship-superlek-not-impressed-jonathan-haggerty-ahead-title-showdown?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 30 Aug 2024 06:01:52 +0000 Johan Ghazali blamed fighting inside a cage for the first defeat of his ONE Championship career. The Malaysian teenager had won his first five fights which saw him become a fan favourite back home and earned him a spot on the ONE 167 card. He was heavily fancied against Vietnam’s Nguyen Tran Duy Nhat in what was his first experience of fighting inside a cage. But the 17-year-old said combating inside the steel structure threw him off his game. “The difference between the cage and the ring, I... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/article/3276214/one-championship-teenager-johan-ghazali-blames-cage-first-loss-his-career?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/article/3276214/one-championship-teenager-johan-ghazali-blames-cage-first-loss-his-career?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 28 Aug 2024 06:11:20 +0000 Aung La N Sang is a veteran of 19 ONE Championship fights and turns 40 next year. The middleweight from Myanmar knows he is coming towards the end of his career but recoils at the suggestion that he represents an “easy fight” for opponents. That is exactly what upcoming opponent Shamil Erdogan said about him. The two men meet at ONE 168 next week and N Sang told the Post his opponent will not be in for an easy night in Denver. “On social media he said I’m an easy fight. We’ll see,” N Sang... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3275988/one-championship-aung-la-n-sang-out-show-shamil-erdogan-one-168-hes-no-easy-fight?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3275988/one-championship-aung-la-n-sang-out-show-shamil-erdogan-one-168-hes-no-easy-fight?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 26 Aug 2024 11:15:44 +0000 Seksan Or Kwanmuang is a man without a weight class. It is an unusual situation and effectively rules him out of ever being ranked in a ONE Championship division, let alone competing for a title. His ONE Championship fights all take place at 140 pounds (63.5 kilograms) – exactly halfway between flyweight and bantamweight. If Seksan were able to move up or down by five pounds he would potentially be in contention for a belt but the 35-year-old told the Post he is happy where he is. “I feel like... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3275064/one-championship-seksan-or-kwanmuang-does-not-care-about-titles-he-just-wants-entertain?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3275064/one-championship-seksan-or-kwanmuang-does-not-care-about-titles-he-just-wants-entertain?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 19 Aug 2024 11:26:26 +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 Jack Peacock has been added to the ONE 169 card, with the England-born, Canada-based fighter set to take on Shinji Suzuki in Atlanta on November 8. Peacock was born with one hand but that has not stopped him from forging a successful career in Muay Thai. He comes from a famous sporting family and his father Gavin played football for Chelsea and Newcastle United. Competing at ONE Friday Fights 68 earlier this year, Peacock Jnr scored a one-sided decision win over Kohei Shinjo at Lumpinee... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/muay-thai/article/3274887/one-championship-jake-peacock-excited-perform-us-fans-he-joins-atlanta-card?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/muay-thai/article/3274887/one-championship-jake-peacock-excited-perform-us-fans-he-joins-atlanta-card?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 17 Aug 2024 12:19:31 +0000 Superlek Kiatmoo9 is moving up in weight to rematch Jonathan Haggerty at ONE 168, and he is taking a scientific approach to being ready for it. The 28-year-old, who normally competes in the flyweight division, has hired a nutritionist, who is known as Hook, to help him make the move up to bantamweight. Superlek previously told the Post in May he was worried about whether he would be big enough to face Haggerty by September. It turns out that a solution emerged weeks later when Superlek enlisted... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/muay-thai/article/3274510/one-championship-superlek-hires-nutritionist-haggerty-rematch?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/muay-thai/article/3274510/one-championship-superlek-hires-nutritionist-haggerty-rematch?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 14 Aug 2024 15:05:33 +0000 ONE Championship has added Thai fighters Nabil Anane and Suakim PKSaenchaigym to its ONE Friday Fights 81 card next month. Anane has been matched with Soe Lin Oo in a battle which pits two bantamweights in outstanding form against one another at Lumpinee Stadium on September 27. Anane has won four fights in a row at the promotion’s Friday night series at the Bangkok venue. Standing 6ft 4in (1m 95cm), he is the tallest fighter in the division and still just 20 years of age. He has been matched... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/article/3274411/one-championship-thai-fighters-anane-suakim-added-one-18-card-bangkok?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/article/3274411/one-championship-thai-fighters-anane-suakim-added-one-18-card-bangkok?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 14 Aug 2024 04:57:59 +0000 Two of the top flyweights on the roster, Adriano Moraes and Danny Kingad will face off at ONE 169 in Atlanta on November 8 in what could be a title eliminator. Moraes (20-5) first became the ONE Championship flyweight champion in 2014, but went on to both lose and regain the title on two occasions each. However, his reign was ended by a pair of losses to UFC legend Demetrious Johnson. Moraes has not fought since his loss to Johnson at ONE Fight Night 10 in Denver last year but remains the No 1... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/article/3274253/one-championship-adriano-moraes-face-danny-kingad-flyweight-title-eliminator?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/article/3274253/one-championship-adriano-moraes-face-danny-kingad-flyweight-title-eliminator?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 13 Aug 2024 02:42:39 +0000 Denice Zamboanga will finally get her long-awaited shot at a ONE Championship belt at ONE Fight Night 25. She was first promised a title shot in 2019 but that fell by the wayside after Angela Lee, the atomweight champion at the time, fell pregnant. Zamboanga was instead entered into the atomweight Grand Prix and controversially eliminated by Seo Hee Ham, with the split decision win for the Korean dashing her title dreams once more. On October 4, Zamboanga will face the returning Alyona Rassohyna... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/article/3273850/one-championship-denice-zamboanga-gets-long-awaited-title-shot-one-fight-night-25?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/article/3273850/one-championship-denice-zamboanga-gets-long-awaited-title-shot-one-fight-night-25?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 09 Aug 2024 07:31:37 +0000 Legendary Thai fighters Sam-A Gaiyanghadao and Nong-O Gaiyanghadao have been added to the ONE Friday Fights 81 card. The Bangkok crowd at Lumpinee Stadium will be packed as it welcomes the local heroes on September 27. Before signing with ONE Championship Sam-A held Lumpinee Stadium titles in two separate divisions and Thailand titles in four. The 40 year old from Buriram has been one of the best Muay Thai fighters this century. Sam-A has held both the strawweight and flyweight ONE Championship... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/article/3273820/one-championship-legendary-thai-duo-added-friday-fights-81-card-bangkok?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/article/3273820/one-championship-legendary-thai-duo-added-friday-fights-81-card-bangkok?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 09 Aug 2024 04:41:27 +0000 Former UFC star John Lineker will make his Muay Thai debut at ONE 168. The Brazilian is booked to take on Asa Ten Pow at the Ball Arena on September 6. Lineker is better known for his exploits as a mixed martial artist. He won 12 fights out of 16 competing in the UFC’s flyweight and bantamweight divisions but was released from the promotion after repeatedly failing to make weight. He went on to sign for ONE Championship and won the bantamweight title in his third fight, stopping former champion... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/article/3273398/one-championship-former-ufc-star-john-lineker-will-make-muay-thai-debut-one-168?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/article/3273398/one-championship-former-ufc-star-john-lineker-will-make-muay-thai-debut-one-168?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 06 Aug 2024 08:23:09 +0000 Hong Kong fighter Yu Yau Pui was knocked out inside 49 seconds at ONE Fight Night 24. Facing Amy Pirnie in an atomweight Muay Thai bout that opened the show, she was stopped inside the opening minute. Pui had won six ONE Championship fights in a row coming into this contest and there was talk of a title shot, but was knocked out here with a left hook. Pui has won fans due to her aggressive style and likes to constantly pressurise opponents. It backfired badly here as she walked straight into a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/article/3273084/one-championship-hongkonger-kod-after-49-seconds-six-fight-winning-streak-snapped?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/article/3273084/one-championship-hongkonger-kod-after-49-seconds-six-fight-winning-streak-snapped?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 03 Aug 2024 08:24:28 +0000 ONE Friday Fights 81 is set for Lumpinee Stadium on September 27 and it looks set to be one of the biggest fight cards of the year with two more super fights added to the bill. Takeru Segawa will face Black Panther and Superbon Singha Mawyn has been booked in for a bout with Jo Nattawut. Takeru is a huge star in Japan and was the most sought-after free agent in the kickboxing world when his K-1 contract expired. He took on Superlek Kiatmoo9 at ONE 165 in January but suffered a serious knee... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/article/3272808/one-friday-fights-81-attracts-more-big-names-shaping-be-one-biggest-cards-24?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/article/3272808/one-friday-fights-81-attracts-more-big-names-shaping-be-one-biggest-cards-24?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 01 Aug 2024 09:16:56 +0000 Gustavo Balart was competing at the London Olympics 12 years ago but on Saturday, he is challenging for an MMA title for the first time in his career when he takes on Jarred Brooks at ONE Fight Night 24. Balart was a decorated wrestler who represented Cuba with distinction but could not make it past the quarter-final stage in 2012 Games, having claimed gold at the Pan-American Games the previous year. Now, the Cuban is riding a four-fight winning streak into his strawweight title fight this... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/article/3272802/gustavo-balarts-journey-olympic-athlete-one-championship-title-contender?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/article/3272802/gustavo-balarts-journey-olympic-athlete-one-championship-title-contender?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 01 Aug 2024 09:02:49 +0000 Freddie Haggerty is dreaming of a spot at ONE 168 after his first-round victory over Kaichon Sor Yingchaoenkarnchang at ONE Friday Fights 72 last week. The rising star bagged US$10,000 (HK$78,000) for the victory, his second of the year, but had to overcome adversity with both fighters trading knock-downs in the opening round at Lumpinee Stadium. Haggerty was proud of the strike that dropped Kaichon but said he still had no idea how he ended up on the canvass. “That first knockdown, that... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/article/3272467/one-championship-jonathan-haggertys-brother-freddie-dreaming-denver-bout-after-win?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/article/3272467/one-championship-jonathan-haggertys-brother-freddie-dreaming-denver-bout-after-win?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 30 Jul 2024 08:12:46 +0000 The ONE 168 card has been bolstered by the addition of a strawweight bout between undefeated Sanzhar Zakirov and Hiroba Minowa. It looks set to be the first of the night in Denver on September 6, which will be the promotion’s second event in the city. Zakirov brings a very impressive 12-0 record and is coming off a stoppage win over Ryosuke Honda at ONE Friday Fights 54 earlier this year. Last year, he beat Zayundin Suleymanov at ONE Friday Fights 42 and David Bangguigui at ONE Friday Fights 28.... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/article/3271733/one-championship-undefeated-zakirov-faces-japans-no-4-ranked-minowa-one-168-bout?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/article/3271733/one-championship-undefeated-zakirov-faces-japans-no-4-ranked-minowa-one-168-bout?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 24 Jul 2024 10:21:37 +0000 Rodtang Jitmuangnon will defend his flyweight Muay Thai title against Jacob Smith in Atlanta at ONE 169 in November. The pair have already fought once, with Rodtang beating the Englishman by unanimous decision at ONE 157 in 2022. Since that victory, he has seen off the likes of Joseph Lasiri, Jiduo Yibu and Edgar Tabares, as well as Denis Puric, who he beat in a non-title fight at ONE 167. His only recent loss was at the hands of Superlek Kiatmoo9, in September last year. In contrast, Smith has... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/muay-thai/article/3271498/one-championship-rodtang-and-smith-clash-flyweight-muay-thai-title-bout-one-169?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/muay-thai/article/3271498/one-championship-rodtang-and-smith-clash-flyweight-muay-thai-title-bout-one-169?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 23 Jul 2024 03:57:16 +0000