Bokang Masunyane willing “to risk it all” for emphatic win at ONE Fight Night 25 

Bokang Masunyane has one goal in mind for his next assignment — to deliver an electrifying performance. 

“Little Giant” figures in a pivotal strawweight MMA bout against #5-ranked Mansur Malachiev at ONE Fight Night 25 on Prime Video. This U.S. primetime event emanates lives from Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on Friday, October 4. 

The #2-ranked South African is a force in the division, winning four of his last five outings.  

Three of these victories came by way of decision. And the well-rounded wrestler doesn’t simply want to outlast his opponents anymore. He wants to finish the match decisively. 

“I’ve been playing a safe game, and I’ve been beating the guys, but every time I look at the tape, I’m very disappointed I wasn’t able to finish, even when I’ve been dominant,” he said. 

“So this time, I’m going out there to risk it all. The more you risk it, the better opportunities you get to win.” 

But Masunyane knows the challenge in front of him is a formidable one. Malachiev’s wrestling and submission skills have posed significant threats to every fighter in the weight class. 

Despite this, he remains confident, believing his own technical ability and physical conditioning will give him the upper hand. 

“I feel like I’ve got more tools, and I’m more explosive. I think I will be able to utilize that and play around with my wrestling, and I feel like my striking has gotten better,” Masunyane said. 

“I’m going to be able to use my striking more and look for a finish there if the wrestling cancels each other out.” 

Bokang Masunyane hopes to get a crack at gold next  

With a win at ONE Fight Night 25, Bokang Masunyane may position himself for a shot at strawweight gold.  

He spent years grinding through tough opponents. And a finish of #5-ranked Mansur Malachiev could finally earn him a title shot. 

“For me, after this fight, the only fight that will matter is getting the title shot. That’s what I’ve been wanting for the last four years,” he said. “I’ve been defending my #2 spot for a while now, and I think it’s time to make a point so I can get my title shot.”