The hallowed grounds of Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok once again played host to a night of high-stakes combat, as ONE Championship delivered an event brimming with captivating storylines. From shocking debuts to emotional farewells and hard-fought title redemptions, the latest ONE Fight Night proved to be a pivotal moment for several athletes, reshaping landscapes across multiple divisions.
A Debutante`s Dominance: Selina Flores Stuns Marie McManamon
The evening commenced with an immediate upset that resonated through the arena. Britain`s own Marie McManamon, a former UK No. 1, faced an unexpected challenge in debutante Selina Flores from San Diego. Despite McManamon`s solid ring control and relentless forward pressure, Flores, making her first appearance under the ONE banner, showcased a pedigree far beyond her newcomer status.
Flores, arriving with a WBC world title from a higher weight class and multiple Muay Thai World Championship accolades, provided McManamon with a masterclass in evasive counter-striking. Her ability to score effectively from the back foot and remain elusive proved a thorny puzzle for “The Celtic Queen.” While McManamon finished the final round with renewed vigor, it wasn`t enough to sway the judges. Flores secured a unanimous decision victory, extending her winning streak to five and moving her career record to an impressive 9-1. For McManamon, this marks her second loss in ONE, a testament to the formidable opposition she has faced.
Jonathan Di Bella`s Path to Redemption: Unified Kickboxing Crown
In what was billed as a main event for the ages, Jonathan Di Bella finally achieved his long-awaited redemption, securing the unified ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Championship. Facing off against the formidable two-sport king, P.K. Saenchai, Di Bella delivered a performance marked by precision, resilience, and strategic brilliance.
The fight was a tactical affair, a testament to the elite skill sets of both combatants. Di Bella`s victory via unanimous decision was not merely a win; it was a definitive statement, solidifying his position atop the strawweight kickboxing world. For fans, this was the culmination of an intense journey, proving that perseverance often paves the way to ultimate triumph.
A Legend`s Last Dance: Aung La N Sang`s Glorious Farewell
The co-main event provided one of the night`s most poignant and explosive moments: the legendary Aung La N Sang wrote the final, glorious chapter of his storied MMA career. Myanmar`s first-ever World Champion, “The Burmese Python,” faced former welterweight king Zebaztian Kadestam in a middleweight MMA clash.
At 40 years old, the iconic fighter showed no signs of slowing, pummeling his opponent with relentless aggression until the referee intervened in the second round, stopping the action at the 2:20 mark. This dominant TKO victory, the 31st of his career, sent the Lumpinee Stadium crowd into a frenzy, celebrating a true titan of the sport. As if the dramatic win wasn`t enough, the announcement that Aung La N Sang will be inducted into the ONE Championship Hall of Fame this November at ONE 173 in Tokyo cemented his legacy, allowing him to retire on the highest possible note. It`s rare for an athlete to dictate their exit with such emphatic finality, and “The Burmese Python” did it with style and sheer force.
Flyweight Muay Thai: A Division in Upheaval
Beyond the main attractions, the flyweight Muay Thai division underwent a significant shakeup, promising even more intrigue for future events. The night delivered two stunning upsets that have thrown the top of the division wide open.
- In a shocking turn, the No. 5-ranked Jaosuayai Sor Dechapan was defeated by Akif Guluzada. Guluzada delivered a devastating knee to the head in the first round, dropping the crowd favorite and securing a memorable victory.
- The upheaval continued as Uzbek fighter Aslamjon Ortiko scored a crucial knockdown on his way to a decisive win against Kongthoranee Sor Sommai. Ortiko`s performance has undoubtedly put him on the radar of division contenders.
These results have injected new life and unpredictability into the flyweight division, setting a thrilling stage for the upcoming vacant title fight between Rodtang Jitmuangnon and Nong-O Hama at ONE 172. The path to championship glory just got a whole lot more interesting.
In sum, ONE Championship`s latest outing was a masterclass in combat sports storytelling. It showcased the unforgiving nature of a debut, the sweet taste of a champion`s redemption, the poetic final act of a legend, and the constant, dynamic evolution of its competitive divisions. Fans can now eagerly anticipate the ripple effects of these results as the promotion continues its relentless pursuit of electrifying, world-class action.
Marcus Bellamy