ONE Championship News

Saemapetch Fairtex
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Potential breakout stars at ONE: Edge of Greatness

BJPENN.COM Staff - November 18, 2019

Several martial artists have used Singapore Indoor Stadium as a launchpad for their careers. On 22 November, another group of warriors will have an opportunity to take a massive step in the journey to becoming champions. ONE: Edge of Greatness could be just that for at least four athletes. Colbey Northcutt

Rich Franklin, ONE Warrior Series
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How Rich Franklin became the Anthony Bourdain of combat sports

Tom Taylor - November 14, 2019

Where in the world is Rich Franklin? Depending on when you ask that question, the answer might be Singapore, Mongolia, Australia, Myanmar, Pakistan — any far-flung corner of the planet you can imagine. As the President and host of ONE Warrior Series, the former UFC middleweight champion is almost always on the move.

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Demetrious Johnson stopped at U.S. Customs due to ONE Championship belt

Harry Kettle - November 14, 2019

ONE Championship star Demetrious Johnson was recently stopped at U.S. Customs as a result of his ONE Flyweight Grand Prix title belt. “Mighty Mouse” kickstarted his run with the Asian promotion earlier this year at ONE Championship: A New Era, and ever since then he has defeated Yuya Wakamatsu, Tatsumitsu Wada and Danny Kingad en-route to securing the grand prix win.

Joshua Pacio
ONE Championship

5 potential opponents up next for Joshua Pacio

BJPENN.COM Staff - November 12, 2019

Joshua Pacio is establishing himself as one of the elite champions in ONE Championship with every performance. The 23-year-old successfully defended his ONE Strawweight World Championship at ONE: Masters of Fate in front of his hometown crowd of Manila, Philippines. Pacio scored an impressive second-round submission victory over Rene Catalan.  The win was Pacio’s first defense since regaining his title from Yosuke Saruta in April. He’d been upset by Saruta back in January. In all, it was a pretty strong 2019 for Pacio as he has re-established himself as the king of his division. 

Ilias Ennahachi, ONE: Age of Dragons
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The significant debuts and returns at ONE: Age of Dragons in Beijing

BJPENN.COM Staff - November 11, 2019

ONE: Age of Dragons will mark the return and debut of several major competitors on the ONE Championship roster. The card takes place at the Cadillac Arena in Beijing, and if the bouts live up to their billing, it could be a riveting night of action.  Beijing has long been a hotbed for martial arts culture. The region has become a significant focus on the mixed martial arts world with champions emerging across the globe whose origins are China. 

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5 serious contenders for Kiamrian Abbasov's newly won Welterweight Title

BJPENN.COM Staff - November 11, 2019

It took Kiamrian Abbasov a while to get his shot at the ONE Welterweight World Championship, but when he got his opportunity, he made the most of it. Abbasov dominated Zebaztian Kadestam at ONE: Dawn of Valor in October to win the title. The victory made Abbasov just the third man to win the title in the promotion’s history. Through Abbasov’s career, he has compiled a 22-4 record with 10 KOs and four submissions. He wasn’t able to finish Kadestam, but his unanimous-decision victory served the rest of the division notice. It will take a herculean effort to dethrone the new king. Here is a look at five prospects who will line up to challenge the new champion.

Sage Northcutt
Sage Northcutt

Sage Northcutt still unable to train following KO loss six months ago

Adam Martin - November 8, 2019

ONE Championship’s Sage Northcutt says he still has not been able to train following a KO loss to Cosmo Alexandre back in May. Northcutt suffered a brutal KO loss to Alexandre six months ago, losing in just 29 seconds and suffering numerous facial fractures that have left him unable to train.

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Rene Catalan believes it’s his time to rule strawweight division

BJPENN.COM Staff - November 6, 2019

Rene Catalan has waited long enough to meet Joshua “The Passion” Pacio for his ONE Strawweight World Title. On November 8 at the Mall of Asia Arena in the Philippines, all eyes will be on both Filipinos as they headline ONE: Masters of Fate. Pacio is a two-time champion, but Catalan believes winning the golden strap is within his grasp. With Catalan’s knowledge, tenure, and continuous skill development, he believes he has what it takes to win.

Eddie Alvarez
ONE Championship

Eddie Alvarez to teach Ben Simmons MMA after hectic NBA brawl

Natasha Hooper - November 1, 2019

Eddie Alvarez has found himself a new apprentice. The former UFC champion is going to teach his MMA skills to basketball star Ben Simmons, following the crazy NBA brawl. Philadelphia 76er, Joel Embiid went head-to-head with Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns during a basketball match. As the fight ensured, fellow basketball players, rallied around the bust-up including Ben Simmons. The 76er point guard administered a rear-naked choke to Towns, forcing him to ‘tap out’. Watch the full clip below:

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Robin Catalan seeks redemption at ONE: Masters of Fate

BJPENN.COM Staff - October 31, 2019

Robin Catalan is looking for a much-needed win at ONE: Masters of Fate when he faces Gustavo “El Gladiador” Balart at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila on November 8. Catalan dropped a knockout loss to Pongsiri Mitsatit last May after receiving sharp knees to his ribs. He is motivated to give a better performance this time around, knowing he will be performing in front of his countrymen. 

Stamp Fairtex

Stamp Fairtex says her experience will help her beat Bi Nguyen

BJPENN.COM Staff - October 30, 2019

ONE Atomweight Muay Thai and Kickboxing World Champion Stamp Fairtex will face another imposing opponent in Killer Bee” Bi Nguyen who is out to redeem herself from her split-decision loss in her previous outing. Stamp is on a mission for a third world title in as many sports. After defeating Asha Roka in just her second mixed martial arts bout last August, Stamp continues her quest in Manila at ONE: Masters of Fate this November 8. 

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Joshua Pacio stepping up on behalf of Team Lakay

BJPENN.COM Staff - October 29, 2019

ONE Strawweight World Champion Joshua Pacio will not allow Rene Catalan to take his title on 8 November at ONE: Masters of Fate. Pacio is focused on his preparations and won’t leave anything to chance, knowing that he will return to the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila where he reclaimed his golden strap from Yosuke Saruta in April.