ONE Championship: Three must-know storylines going into 2025

Athletes from the United States have continued to shine in ONE Championship throughout 2024.

From MMA to Muay Thai and submission grappling, American fighters have consistently showcased their skills, and this momentum is set to carry over into 2025. Here are three stars you should keep an eye on next year.

Kade Ruotolo: A dual-domain phenom in ONE

ONE Lightweight Submission Grappling World Champion Kade Ruotolo has had a phenomenal year. The 21-year-old kicked off 2024 by defending his crown against Tommy Langaker before submitting Francisco Lo in April.

The Atos BJJ prodigy then made his highly anticipated lightweight MMA debut, dismantling Blake Cooper in one round at ONE 167 in June. He capped off the year with another first-round finish, this time showcasing his striking skills in a victory over Ahmed Mujtaba at ONE 169 in November.

Ruotolo’s boundless potential across grappling and MMA makes him a must-watch in 2025 as he continues to expand his skill set and chase greatness.

Luke Lessei: Featherweight fire-starter

Featherweight Muay Thai star Luke Lessei delivered some of the most entertaining fights of the year. He began 2024 with a split-decision win in a thrilling battle against fellow American Eddie Abasolo.

Lessei, known as “The Chef,” followed up with a summer slugfest against Bampara Kouyate in July. While he dropped the Frenchman during the fight, a late uppercut in the final minute brought the bout to an abrupt end.

With 2024 in the rear-view mirror, Lessei aims to bounce back in 2025. In fact, he’s set to return in January at ONE Fight Night 27: Tang vs. Abdullaev, ready to deliver another memorable performance.

Jarred Brooks: A rivalry renewed

ONE Interim Strawweight MMA World Champion Jarred Brooks is gearing up to settle unfinished business in 2025. He’ll face reigning champion Joshua Pacio in a highly anticipated unification bout at ONE 171 in March.

Brooks originally dethroned Pacio at ONE 164 in December 2022, but controversy arose in their rematch over a year later. A spiking foul by Brooks saw the belt return to the Filipino star.

Now, with the score tied at one apiece and the belt no longer in his possession, “The Monkey God” enters 2025 hungrier than ever to reclaim his place atop the strawweight division.