As dusk descends on November 3rd and Bangkok’s Lumpinee Boxing Stadium bathes in the glimmer of floodlights, there’s an almost palpable electric charge in the air. It’s not just a stage set for martial artists to combat. It’s a theatre for dreams, grit, prowess, and a dance between two kickboxing queens, each aiming to etch their legacy.
Cristina Morales, the fiery Spaniard, is on the cusp of her monumental comeback on the global martial arts landscape at ONE Fight Night 16: Haggerty vs. Andrade. This isn’t just another bout on her card. It’s a date with destiny against Anna “Supergirl” Jaroonsak, Thailand’s prodigious talent, in a duel that has had fans marking their calendars with bated breath.
The universe seemed to play a coy game with this matchup, teasing fans with two prior attempts stymied by unforeseen circumstances. But as the saying goes, the third time’s a charm. Reflecting on this, Morales, ever the optimist, perceives these hindrances as providence. “We’re finally going to face each other on the third try. The truth is that I’m really motivated, and I feel strong,” she shared, her tone infused with a mix of relief and anticipation. The silver lining of these delays?
A prolonged window for Morales to hone her arsenal and fortify her mindset against the force that is “Supergirl”. Emphasizing her dedication, she remarked, “We’ve prepared a long time for this fight, and I think it’s been one of the longest preparations I’ve ever had for one person, so we’ve had plenty of time to train physically and mentally. I’m looking forward to returning to ONE’s stage and giving it my all, like I do every time I get inside the ring.”
A trifecta of ISKA Kickboxing World Champion titles adorns Morales’ illustrious career. Couple that with a comprehensive background in sports psychology, and you have a fighter who brings an intellectual depth to her physical prowess. Morales doesn’t just train her body; she conditions her mind, engaging in rigorous visualization techniques post-training. “I see myself in the fight. In psychology, we work a lot on visualizing the fight, and every day after training, I visualize every shot that I want to throw, every shot that I want to connect. I want to win the fight, enjoy it, and be able to get the victory,” she passionately states, underlining her cerebral approach to combat.
Acknowledging the meteoric rise of “Supergirl” Jaroonsak is crucial. This Thai dynamo, with her swift ascent and an arsenal of techniques, promises a gripping face-off. But Morales’ game plan is intriguing. Instead of meticulously dissecting her opponent’s style, she sharpens her innate strengths. Speaking with a fierce determination, she reveals, “One of my strengths is my intensity within the fight and my power shots.”
But this electrifying face-off isn’t the sole highlight of the night. Lumpinee Boxing Stadium, a mecca for martial arts aficionados, will resonate with roars and cheers, especially as the action unfurls live on Prime Video.
The marquee matchup of the evening is nothing short of monumental. Imagine a realm where two kings, each a master in their own domain, decide to venture out of their kingdoms to duel for a new crown. That’s the cinematic scene set for November 3rd, as ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion, Jonathan Haggerty, locks horns with ONE Bantamweight MMA World Champion, Fabricio “Wonder Boy” Andrade, in a quest for the division’s much-coveted vacant kickboxing belt.
Haggerty, a name that resonates with power and finesse, is no stranger to making headlines. Hailing from Orpington, England, this titan made waves when he decided to ascend from the flyweight division. But what really sent tremors through the martial arts community was his staggering victory at ONE Fight Night 9 earlier this year. A jaw-dropping first-round TKO victory over the seemingly invincible ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion, Nong-O Hama, announced his ascent in the grandest fashion. Now, with the wind beneath his wings and history in his sights, Haggerty is gearing up to take on another colossal challenge, this time against Fabricio “Wonder Boy” Andrade, for the kickboxing crown. And, with the world watching, the stakes have never been higher.
But the night doesn’t just belong to these two warriors. History beckons in the co-main event, as the spotlight shifts to the grappling mat. The first-ever ONE Welterweight Submission Grappling World Title is up for grabs. It’s an inaugural clash that promises technical brilliance and heart-stopping moments. On one side, we have Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu wunderkind, Tye Ruotolo, a prodigy who’s been making waves with his fluid moves and impeccable technique. Facing him is the European Grappling Champion, the enigmatic and ever-dangerous Magomed Abdulkadirov. With gold on the line, this battle promises to be an intricate dance of holds, locks, and submissions.
But wait, there’s more! As the evening unfolds, a constellation of martial arts stars will grace the stadium, each bringing their unique brand of combat to the fore. From the unbeaten and undeniably fierce Halil Amir, ranked #4 in the lightweight MMA category, to the dynamo of energy, Lito Adiwang, whose every move seems to scream ‘knockout’, the roster is truly star-studded. Let’s not forget the striking maestros like Zhang Peimian and Sinsamut Klinmee, who bring an artist’s precision to their craft. And, of course, the evening wouldn’t be complete without the incredible Anna “Supergirl” Jaroonsak, a name that has become synonymous with electrifying kickboxing action.
