Sports

Eddie Alvarez to Face Iuri Lapicus in Co-Main Event;
Rodtang Jitmuangnon Returns in Non-World Title Contest

The largest global sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), today announced its return to United States prime time on Wednesday, April 7, with a blockbuster card available to fans on TNT.

Follow this link to watch the video: https://youtu.be/zGUX-begfxo

The April 7 event is headlined by a highly anticipated World Title showdown between reigning ONE Flyweight World Champion Adriano “Mikinho” Moraes and ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix Champion Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson.

In the co-main event, lightweight mixed martial arts legend Eddie “The Underground King” Alvarez returns to the Circle against former ONE Lightweight World Title challenger and current #2-ranked lightweight contender Iuri Lapicus.

Also seeing action on this card is reigning ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon, who faces the UK’s Jacob Smith in a non-World Title Muay Thai contest.

In addition, Johnson, Alvarez, and ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong will be participating in a live Global Media Video Conference Call on Wednesday, January 27 at 12 p.m. ET, with more news to be announced on that day.

You can RSVP for this virtual media conference here: https://forms.gle/X4J24apkAkQen8ms6

 ONE Flyweight World Championship
(C) Adriano Moraes vs. (1) Demetrious Johnson
Flyweight: 56.8 KG-61.2 KG

Mixed Martial Arts
Eddie Alvarez vs. (2) Iuri Lapicus
Lightweight: 70.4 KG-77.1 KG

Muay Thai (Non-World Title)
(C) Rodtang Jitmuangnon vs. Jacob Smith
Flyweight: 56.8 KG-61.2 KG

For more updates on ONE Championship, please visit https://www.onefc.com/about-us/, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ONEChampionship, and like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ONEChampionship.

The largest global sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), kicked off 2021 with a spectacular show at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. ONE: UNBREAKABLE featured a series of impressive performances in the Circle from the world’s top mixed martial artists and kickboxers.

In the main event, Thai superstar Capitan Petchyindee Academy destroyed defending titleholder Alaverdi “Babyface Killer” Ramazanov to capture the ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Championship inside of two rounds.

The first frame saw Capitan stalk Ramazanov early with a blitzkrieg of boxing combinations and chopping leg kicks. “Babyface Killer” tried his best to move away from the pressure, but Capitan relentlessly pursued him.

In the second round, Capitan sensed the finish as he continued to pound Ramazanov from midrange. After another blistering combination against the Circle Wall, Ramazanov finally went down from the onslaught. The referee counted to 10 as Ramazanov was unable to regain his footing and Capitan celebrated.

For a full bout recap of Capitan Petchyindee Academy vs. Alaverdi Ramazanov, click here:
https://www.onefc.com/news/capitan-knocks-out-ramazanov-to-become-bantamweight-kickboxing-king/

Visit the official ONE: UNBREAKABLE photo gallery by clicking: https://bit.ly/onephotos

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In the evening’s co-main event, former ONE Lightweight World Champion Shinya “Tobikan Judan” Aoki put forth one of the finest performances of his career, dominating former ONE Welterweight World Title challenger James Nakashima in the latter’s lightweight debut. The #4-ranked lightweight mixed martial arts contender surprised Nakashima early, landing swift, powerful kicks to the body and a right hand to the head. In close quarters, Aoki swiftly took the back, locked in a body triangle, and secured the fight-ending submission just 2:42 into the first round.

For a full bout recap of Shinya Aoki vs. James Nakashima, click here:
https://www.onefc.com/news/aoki-electrifies-singapore-with-record-setting-submission-of-nakashima/

In a ONE Super Series kickboxing bout, heavyweight sensation Rade Opacic overwhelmed Bruno Susano with a one-sided striking showcase to win by technical knockout. In round one, Opacic sent his opponent to a mandatory standing eight-count after a crushing blow to the ribs sucked the wind out of Susano’s sails. Opacic finished the job in round two with another tremendous combination that put Susano on unsteady footing. At that point, the referee had seen enough, and he quickly called a halt to the contest.

For a full bout recap of Rade Opacic vs. Bruno Susano, click here:
https://www.onefc.com/news/opacic-destroys-susano-in-heavyweight-kickboxing-blitz/

Undefeated ONE Warrior Series product Gadzhimurad Abdulaev made quick work of former ONE Welterweight World Champion Zebaztian “The Bandit” Kadestam, finishing the Swedish fighter from the back with a vice-like face crank in round one. Abdulaev closed the distance early, bringing Kadestam to the ground with a trip takedown. On the mat, Abdulaev swiftly took the back and worked on the submission finish. At that point, Kadestam had no choice but to tap.

For a full bout recap of Gadzhimurad Abdulaev vs. Zebaztian Kadestam, click here:
https://www.onefc.com/news/abdulaev-marks-debut-with-record-setting-submission-of-kadestam/

Second-ranked mixed martial arts atomweight contender Meng Bo remained a step ahead of former ONE World Title challenger Samara “Marituba” Santos throughout three close rounds. Meng showed striking superiority in the majority of exchanges, while Santos tried to take matters to the ground. On the mat, however, Meng defended well to neutralize Santos’ attacks. In the end, all three judges scored the bout in favor of Meng to win by unanimous decision.

For a full bout recap of Meng Bo vs. Samara Santos, click here:
https://www.onefc.com/news/meng-bo-earns-hard-fought-unanimous-decision-over-samara-santos/

Filipino phenom Lito “Thunder Kid” Adiwang put together another thunderous performance to kick off the action at ONE: UNBREAKABLE, stopping highly regarded Namiki Kawahara inside the distance of their strawweight mixed martial arts clash. Kawahara tried to time an aggressive Adiwang with an overhand right, but it was a left hook to the jaw from “Thunder Kid” that effectively ended matters in round two.

For a full bout recap of Lito Adiwang vs. Namiki Kawahara, click here:
https://www.onefc.com/news/emotional-adiwang-gets-back-on-track-with-ko-of-kawahara/

Next, ONE Championship returns with ONE: UNBREAKABLE II, a previously recorded event scheduled for broadcast on Friday, 29 January. In the main event, former ONE Heavyweight World Title challenger Mauro “The Hammer” Cerilli of Italy will take on Russia’s Abdulbasir “Dagestan Machine” Vagabov. Also scheduled for action is four-time Heavyweight Muay Thai and Kickboxing World Champion Alain “The Panther” Ngalani of Hong Kong, who will face Senegalese sensation “Reug Reug” Oumar Kane. For more information, please visit the official ONE: UNBREAKABLE II Event Page.

Official Results for ONE: UNBREAKABLE
ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Championship Bout: Capitan Petchyindee Academy defeats Alaverdi Ramazanov via Knockout at 1:56 of Round Two
Mixed Martial Arts – Lightweight: Shinya Aoki defeats James Nakashima via Submission (Neck Crank) at 2:42 of Round One
Kickboxing – Heavyweight: Rade Opacic defeats Bruno Susano via TKO at 1:11 of Round Two
Mixed Martial Arts – Welterweight: Gadzhimurad Abdulaev defeats Zebaztian Kadestam via Submission (Face Crank) at 2:08 of Round One
Mixed Martial Arts – Catch Weight (54.8 KG): Meng Bo defeats Samara Santos via Unanimous Decision
Mixed Martial Arts – Strawweight: Lito Adiwang defeats Namiki Kawahara via Knockout at 2:02 of Round Two

For more updates on ONE Championship, please visit https://www.onefc.com/about-us/, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ONEChampionship, and like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ONEChampionship.

Filipino mixed martial arts phenom Lito “Thunder Kid” Adiwang of the famed Team Lakay of Baguio City wants to be the #1 ranked strawweight contender by the end of the year, if only to sit next to reigning ONE Strawweight World Champion, his teammate Joshua Pacio.

Adiwang is considered one of the fastest rising talents in ONE Championship. He’s won seven of his last eight bouts, several in exciting fashion. The 27-year-old would love nothing more than to end 2021 at the top of the division, and hold the gates for “The Passion.”

“I see myself racking up a few wins this year. Hopefully, ONE will give us a lot of fights. If that happens, I’ll do my best to get all the wins I can so I can see myself being a top contender by the end of the year,” Adiwang told ONE Championship in a recent interview.

“However, I’ll wait for my chances because Joshua is still the champion. I just want to put my name among the top and now, I’ll be building on it. By the end of 2021, I want to be there.”

Adiwang faces Japan’s Namiki Kawahara at ONE: UNBREAKABLE, scheduled for Friday, 22 January, live from the Singapore Indoor Stadium in Singapore. The bout is the opener for a night full of action-packed offers for ONE.

Despite Kawahara being a last-minute replacement for Adiwang’s original opponent, China’s Hexigetu, the “Thunder Kid” is not the least bit fazed by the short-notice change in foe.

“I think we’re going to adjust heavily here. Now, we’re tweaking our game plan. When we were preparing for Hexigetu, we knew he’s a wrestler with good boxing, but we expected to have a height advantage, so I was really preparing on how he might come in,” said Adiwang.

“Now against Kawahara, he’s the exact opposite. He’s more of a striker, but he’s taller than me. However, I am confident that if it stays on the feet, I’m at an advantage. I just have to focus on his point of attack and be accurate with my counters.”

ONE: UNBREAKABLE is ONE Championship’s first live event in 2021. The main event features a ONE Super Series showdown between ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion Alaverdi “Babyface Killer” Ramazanov of Russia, who defends his world title against #2-ranked bantamweight kickboxing contender Capitan Petchyindee Academy of Thailand.

Adiwang plans to beat Kawahara, and demand a rematch with his Japanese countryman Hiroba Minowa, who dealt the Filipino his only loss since 2014 when they met each other last November. Adiwang wants to avenge his defeat and prove that it was merely a fluke.

“I really wanted this. I am very hungry to come back and get a win. At least if I win this one, maybe I can ask for a rematch from Minowa. I have to prove that I only had an off-night against Minowa. I learned from that match, and I was able to see the things that I need to improve on,” said Adiwang.

“The pressure is on. Yes, I know I have to prove myself to the world and earn people’s respect. I’m working on that.”

Watch the show on One Sports and One Sports+ at 8:30 p.m. Philippine Standard Time (PHT). Also, TV5 will air the action on a next-day delay at 11 p.m. PHT on Saturday, 23 January.

Stepping in as a late replacement for China’s Hexigetu, Namiki Kawahara of Japan is entering his bout against hard-hitting Filipino Lito “Thunder Kid” Adiwang of Team Lakay full of confidence despite the short notice.

Kawahara and Adiwang square off at ONE: UNBREAKABLE, live on Friday, 22 January at the Singapore Indoor Stadium in Singapore.

The 31-year-old from Osaka prefecture believes he has the tools to end Adiwang inside the distance in any manner possible.

“I admit that Lito is a great fighter. That shows in his previous performances. But it doesn’t matter who he’s fought in the past, he’s never faced me. I’m a dangerous fighter. I’ll prove it in the Circle,” Kawahara told reporters at the ONE: UNBREAKABLE Virtual Media Day.

“All I’m thinking about right now is finishing him. That’s my goal. If it’s a stand up fight, I’m going to knock him out. If it goes to the ground, I’m going to submit him. It’s as simple as that.”

Kawahara’s supreme confidence stems from Adiwang’s recent performance against his Japanese countryman, former Shooto champion Hiroba Minowa. Adiwang dropped a three-round split decision loss to Minowa last November. It was a close match that could have gone either way.

Kawahara was the least bit impressed, however, and believes Adiwang is just not on his level.

“Hiroba Minowa did beat Lito in their last fight, but to be honest, it wasn’t an interesting fight. I’m going to show you a better way to beat Lito, and that’s to knock him out and finish him. I think that will be enough to crack into the Top Five, and after that it’s going to be a world championship,” a confident Kawahara said.

“I think if Lito faces a Shooto-level fighter, he is not that explosive. I don’t think he will be as explosive against me. It’s hard to predict, but I’m ready to just outwork him and beat him up. I’m just going to enjoy the bout and win.

“Fans can all depend on a big knockout. We are both aggressive and we both win by finish. We’re the first bout of the night, and it’s going to be a knockout. Only one guy will be left standing,” he added.

ONE: UNBREAKABLE is ONE Championship’s first live event in 2021. The main event features a ONE Super Series showdown between ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion Alaverdi “Babyface Killer” Ramazanov of Russia, who defends his world title against #2-ranked bantamweight kickboxing contender Capitan Petchyindee Academy of Thailand.

Kawahara is fully fixated on beating Adiwang this Friday night. If he wins, it will no doubt bring him a step closer to his ultimate goal, which is to become a ONE World Champion.

“I joined ONE Championship to become a world champion. Whoever my opponent is, it doesn’t matter. I just have to win and beat him up. I want to thank ONE that my first opponent is Lito and he’s very dangerous. If I beat him, it’s going to be a big win. I’m excited,” said Kawahara.

“Lito is a good fighter, a dangerous one. If I beat him, I’ll be closer to becoming a ONE World Champion. That’s the reason I took this bout. Although Lito might be dangerous, I’m also dangerous, so be careful.”

Philippine martial arts pioneer Mark “The Machine” Sangiao is the man behind the famed Team Lakay of Baguio City, and responsible for a plethora of the country’s top mixed martial arts stars today. One of his most prized pupils, Lito “Thunder Kid” Adiwang, returns to action this Friday night following a close split decision loss to Japan’s Hiroba Minowa late last year.

Adiwang is scheduled to face another Japanese foe in Namiki Kawahara at ONE: UNBREAKABLE, which broadcasts live on Friday, 22 January at the Singapore Indoor Stadium in Singapore.

Sangiao shared his thoughts on the matchup and how Adiwang has prepared himself to resume his tremendous run through the ranks.

“Lito Adiwang versus Namiki Kawahara is going to be another exciting fight. That’s for sure. Lito is never in a boring fight. He always comes to win and he’s always explosive. We like this matchup,” said Sangiao.

“Both fighters have good skills, technique, and attitude. Anything can happen in a fight, so we have to be prepared for everything. That involves a lot of drilling and sparring in different scenarios, and of course, honing our techniques in all areas of martial arts. I will say this, Lito is absolutely ripped and ready for this fight. He’s fired up and ready to go.”

Kawahara steps in as a late replacement for China’s Hexigetu. The Team Alpha Male proponent doesn’t have much experience, but is considered by Sangiao on all accounts to be another dangerous challenge for the “Thunder Kid.”

“We always consider every opponent to be the toughest, and there will be no difference with that here. We never say we are better or lesser than any athlete. There is no tougher or weaker. Everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses. The key to victory is imposing your will, and playing to your strengths,” said Sangiao.

“Namiki has a good training background. His skill set is impressive. But we are not at all threatened. We are not worried and we are all out embracing this matchup. I think the two fighters will be fairly evenly matched. We don’t want to underestimate him. He’s going to come out with a lot of energy and motivation to win, and so will Lito. As always, it’s going to be a fun fight with Lito.”

Sangiao is fully confident his ward has enough to overcome his next challenge. And if he can get through this one, the Team Lakay head honcho wants to give fans what they want — an Adiwang-Minowa rematch to settle the score once and for all.

“I sat down in the gym with Lito and we went through the book. We went over everything about this fight and Lito’s career moving forward. He’s constantly evolving and getting better at a fast rate. I believe we have the table set for the Lito-Namiki match. Of course, everybody will say they’re going to win, given any contest, and we’re no exception. We’re gunning for the victory in any way,” said Sangiao.

“But mind you, fans in the Philippines in general are clamoring for a Lito Adiwang versus Hiroba Minowa rematch. That’s the fight fans want to see. We feel there is unfinished business there that they need to take care of.”

Taking place in Singapore on 22 January, ONE: UNBREAKABLE is ONE Championship’s first live event in 2021. The main event features a ONE Super Series showdown between ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion Alaverdi “Babyface Killer” Ramazanov of Russia, who defends his world title against #2-ranked bantamweight kickboxing contender Capitan Petchyindee Academy of Thailand.

Team Lakay upstart Lito “Thunder Kid” Adiwang had a rough start to the year, as the 27-year-old from Baguio City, Philippines recently lost his mother Leticia, who has suffered multiple strokes since 2016. She passed away on 30 December, just before a tumultuous year ended for Adiwang.

“There is nothing a mother wants more than to see her child happy and successful. I know my mother loved me so much, and she just really didn’t want me to get hurt, which is why she didn’t fully accept me being a fighter with her whole heart,” said Adiwang.

“But I chose this career, and I believe she was happy to see me succeed in what I love to do. I know in my heart she is proud of me, and I will continue to live my life in her honor.”

Members of Team Lakay rushed to Adiwang’s aid, to show their support. The team, along with head coach Mark Sangiao, convened in the first few days of 2021, to attend the funeral service. After his mother was laid to rest, Adiwang expressed his intent to turn the year around.

“My teammates have always been there for me. They’ve supported me through the hardest times. They are like family to me. I am very lucky to have a good support system,” said Adiwang.

“Nothing has changed in my mindset. The goal remains the same for me. I’m climbing to the top. If anything, I just got more motivated and driven. I want to prove myself in this next fight, and to do that, I have to be at my best.”

Adiwang is scheduled to make his return to the ONE Circle at ONE: UNBREAKABLE, scheduled for Friday, 22 January in Singapore. It’s his first fight back since losing a close split decision to Japan’s Hiroba Minowa in November.

Adiwang maintains that the experiences he’s gone through in the past few months have only made him stronger.

“I am more motivated now than ever to achieve my goals, and apply the lessons I learned in 2020, especially. I know the pressure is on, and I can feel the pressure. I know I have to prove myself to the world again, to earn the people’s trust. I’m working on coming back stronger than ever,” said Adiwang.

“I think everything happens for a reason. My setbacks today will be what makes me a better fighter for tomorrow. All the hard work I’m putting in will pay off in God’s perfect time. I just want to thank everyone for their support in my darkest hour. The race has just begun for me, but I promise to finish strong.”

ONE: UNBREAKABLE is ONE Championship’s first live event in 2021. The main event features a ONE Super Series showdown between ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion Alaverdi “Babyface Killer” Ramazanov of Russia, who defends his world title against #2-ranked bantamweight kickboxing contender Capitan Petchyindee Academy of Thailand.

Honorio Banario

Former ONE Featherweight World Champion Honorio “The Rock” Banario of the famed Team Lakay of Baguio City, Philippines, is looking to embark on another run at the ONE World Title this year.

The 31 year old feels re energized and extra motivated to build on his sole victory in 2020 — a close split decision against fellow top featherweight Shannon Wiratchai of Thailand.

After spending the holidays with close family, and helping out Filipinos in need with his brethren at Team Lakay, Banario wants to tell fans to expect an epic resurgence for the Philippines’ premiere martial arts troupe.

“New Year with my family was very fulfilling. It was my second New Year celebration with my son and wife. We spent it in our province with our loved ones,” said Banario.

“I met with the team before New Year’s Eve, and we spent the end of 2020 giving out aid to people in need. Coach Mark and the team agreed to all do a small donation program. There are so many people out there who had a rough year, who had to go through the pandemic, through floods and calamity, and endured days of hunger. The very least we could do was help out in our own little way.

“This year, the team is very motivated to bounce back as we adapt ourselves and our training methodologies to the ‘new normal.’ We are all reinvigorated and fired up to return to our dominance in the Circle.”

Banario was one of the few bright spots for Team Lakay in 2020. The team suffered a series of painful setbacks as former champions Eduard Folayang and Kevin Belingon, as well as rising star Lito Adiwang all experienced defeat late in the year.

Once the inaugural ONE Featherweight World Champion, Banario wants nothing more than to return to his former glory, and to wear the gold around his waist again.

“I want to fight more in 2021, and reestablish myself as a top fighter in my division. Hopefully, I can claw my way back up to a title shot by the end of the year. Of course, my other wish is to  be healthy physically, mentally, and spiritually. I wish that for all, not just for myself,” said a determined Banario.

“I really want to become a champion and hold that belt again. To do that, I have to stay strong in challenging times and constantly move forward to pursue my dreams. That goes for the rest of the team also. We will prove once again that here at Team Lakay, champions are not born, they are made.”