As the calendar marks Friday, September 29, the fight fraternity, from aficionados to casual fans, finds itself drawn to the pulsating heart of combat sports – Singapore. ONE Fight Night 14 is not just another event; it’s a saga of battles, ambitions, and the spirit of sportsmanship.
Setting the pace for the evening, the spotlight distinctly beams on the women warriors of the ring. A trifecta of Women’s World Title contests across three sports will be the crowning jewels of the event. But before the main bouts commence, an assortment of scintillating matchups promises to enthrall both the live audience in Singapore and viewers tuning in globally.
In the realm of champions, Stamp Fairtex is no stranger. The former ONE Women’s Atomweight Muay Thai and Kickboxing World Champion now seeks another feather in her cap, aiming for a unique three-sport title. Standing between her and this monumental achievement is the formidable South Korean dynamo, Ham Seo Hee. The duo will clash for the coveted ONE Interim Women’s Atomweight MMA World Title.
The excitement continues to surge as Allycia Hellen Rodrigues, the current ONE Women’s Atomweight Muay Thai World Champion, ventures into unfamiliar territory. She’s gearing up to challenge the young powerhouse, Smilla “The Hurricane” Sundell, for the ONE Women’s Strawweight Muay Thai World Title. This duel is not just about the title; it’s a showcase of elite female strikers demonstrating their mettle.
In a different facet of the combat world, Danielle Kelly has been weaving magic in ONE’s submission grappling domain. Remaining undefeated, she now faces a litmus test against 2023 IBJJF World Champion, Jessa Khan. Both these athletes, celebrated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belts, are set to lock horns for the inaugural ONE Women’s Atomweight Submission Grappling World Title.
Embedded in the evening’s tapestry is the poignant tale of Angela “Unstoppable” Lee. A dominant figure, Angela has been the sole guardian of the ONE Women’s Atomweight MMA World Title, defending it on five separate occasions. However, the shadows of personal grief have loomed large after the untimely passing of her sister, Victoria Lee. As anticipation builds, the fight community awaits Angela’s address on her future plans.
In a refreshing twist, ONE Fight Night 14 unfurls a pioneering special rules striking contest. MMA’s seasoned warrior, Xiong Jing Nan, is prepped to spar with Muay Thai prodigy, Nat “Wondergirl” Jaroonsak. But this isn’t your typical bout. Both athletes will adorn the 4-ounce MMA gloves and engage in a combat that solely permits punches. Given their reputations for aggressive engagements, this clash promises fireworks.
On the male front, the roster is equally, if not more, electrifying. Former ONE Bantamweight MMA World Champion, John “Hands of Stone” Lineker, is slated to clash with Filipino prodigy, Stephen “The Sniper” Loman
This encounter is not just about personal glory; it’s a potential pathway to challenge the reigning maestro, Fabricio Andrade.
A flashback to 2018 brings memories of the electrifying bout between Eduard Folayang and Amir Khan. As time has solidified their positions as seasoned tacticians and formidable knockout artists, they are ready for another dance in the ring. With a collective experience of 55 bouts under the ONE Championship banner, they assure fans an encore of their previous thriller.
Diving deeper into the Lineker vs. Loman matchup, one can’t overlook Lineker’s awe-inspiring record of 18 career knockouts. Meanwhile, Loman, with his symphony of agility and technique, emerges as a worthy adversary.
The Lightweight Muay Thai division further spices up the evening with Dmitry Menshikov taking on Rungrawee Sitsongpeenong. While Menshikov is eager to prove his mettle after a recent setback, Rungrawee rides on an impeccable form, making this a must-watch.
The finale? A heavyweight MMA juggernaut between Mauro “The Hammer” Cerilli and Paul “King of the North” Elliott. With a combined record of 13 knockout finishes, this battle is touted as one for the ages. As Singapore gears up, global fans are poised for an evening that promises adrenaline, emotions, and above all, unforgettable moments.
