ONE Championship Unveils "All Muay Thai" Card for U.S. Primetime
For the first time, ONE Championship is set to dazzle U.S. audiences in primetime with an "All Muay Thai" card at ONE Fight Night 17: Kryklia vs. Roberts, airing on Prime Video on December 8th at 8 PM EST.
This historic event marks a significant milestone in the world of martial arts, particularly for Muay Thai, which has seen its popularity skyrocket since ONE Championship began hosting bouts in 2018.
Innovative Global Muay Thai Rule Set Promises Non-Stop Action
ONE Championship's adoption of the Global Muay Thai Rule Set has revolutionized the sport, ensuring relentless action and minimizing the usual feeling-out process.
This rule set includes:
A mandate for constant engagement, with warnings and potential yellow cards for stalling.
Fights conducted in 4-ounce gloves over three 3-minute rounds, creating a sense of urgency.
The “10- Point-Must” system for judging, focusing on knockdowns, damage, clean strikes, and ring generalship.
Star-Studded Lineup Featuring World Champion Strikers
Chatri Sityodtong, ONE Chairman and CEO, boasts of the greatest roster of World Champion strikers, and the event's lineup echoes this sentiment. The main event spotlights Roman Kryklia and Alex Roberts vying for the inaugural ONE Heavyweight Muay Thai World Title, a battle between two formidable strikers.
That is highlighted by an iconic main event for the inaugural ONE Heavyweight Muay Thai World Title, featuring two of the most dangerous strikers on the planet today. Reigning ONE Light Heavyweight Kickboxing World Champion Roman Kryklia will cross over and go for two-sport glory against WBC Heavyweight Muay Thai World Champion Alex Roberts.
The stage is set for ONE Fight Night 17: Kryklia vs. Roberts on Prime Video.
Full Card Rundown:
Roman Kryklia vs. Alex Roberts (ONE Heavyweight Muay Thai World Title)
Two of the biggest knockout artists on the planet collide for the inaugural ONE Heavyweight Muay Thai World Title, as long-reigning ONE Light Heavyweight Kickboxing World Champion Roman Kryklia goes for two-sport glory against new WBC Heavyweight Muay Thai World Champion Alex Roberts.
Jo Nattawut vs. Luke Lessei (Muay Thai – Featherweight)
World-famous Thai striker “Smokin” Jo Nattawut is eager to rise from his #4 spot in the featherweight Muay Thai rankings and challenge for the gold, but America’s Luke Lessei is ready to upset the superstar in his promotional debut and steal his spot in the rankings!
Saemapetch Fairtex vs. Mohamed Younes Rabah (Muay Thai – 150-Pound Catchweight)
Third-ranked bantamweight Muay Thai contender Saemapetch Fairtex looks to build some momentum toward another World Title shot, but promotional newcomer Mohamed Younes Rabah wants make a statement in his first ONE Championship appearance and use the decorated Thai veteran as a stepping
stone to greater things.
Dmitry Menshikov vs. Mouhcine Chafi (Muay Thai – Lightweight)
A tale of two athletes who find themselves at slightly different places in their respective careers. Dmitry Menshikov looks to get his second consecutive highlight-reel knockout and earn a rematch with two-sport king Regian Eersel, whereas Mouhcine Chafi wants to get his first promotional victory and make his presence felt in the burgeoning lightweight Muay Thai division.
Walter Goncalves vs Jacob Smith (Muay Thai – Flyweight)
Two of the most talented fighters in the ultra-stacked flyweight Muay Thai division look to get back on the winning track and move closer to World Title contention. And Walter Goncalves’ #2 ranking is up for grabs!
Edgar Tabares Vs Johan Ghazali (Muay Thai – Flyweight)
After a dominant run that earned him a six-figure contract with ONE Championship, 17-year-old Malaysian-American sensation Johan Ghazali makes his highly anticipated U.S. primetime debut against his toughest opponent yet – Mexico’s first WBC Muay Thai International Champion, Edgar Tabares.
Nguyen Tran Duy Nhat vs Denis Puric (Muay Thai – Flyweight)
Vietnam’s most popular combat sports athlete makes his long-awaited return to the world’s largest martial arts organization and re-ignites his charge toward ONE World Title glory. While Nguyen Tran Duy Nhat will look to keep his ONE record perfect and inch closer to the gold, battle-hardened veteran Denis Puric intends to spoil his homecoming and make a statement to the rest of the flyweight Muay Thai division.
Thongpoon PK Saenchai vs. Ellis Barboza (Muay Thai – 120-Pound Catchweight)
Following a captivating three-bout winning streak that earned him a six-figure contract with ONE Championship, Thongpoon PK Saenchai looks to charm the U.S. primetime audience with one of his lightning-fast knockouts, but hard-hitting British slugger Ellis Barboza is looking to ruin his big night!
Highlight Matchups and Rising Stars
Alongside the main event, the card features:
Former ONE World Title challengers Saemapetch Fairtex and Walter Goncalves.
U.S. star Luke “The Chef” Lessei in his promotional debut.
17-year-old Malaysian-American Johan “Jojo” Ghazali, likened to “the next Rodtang,” in his U.S. primetime debut.
Key Fights to Watch
Jo Nattawut vs. Luke Lessei: A clash in the featherweight division as Jo Nattawut aims to ascend from his #4 ranking, facing American newcomer Luke Lessei.
Saemapetch Fairtex vs. Mohamed Younes Rabah: A 150-pound catchweight bout with Fairtex seeking momentum towards another title shot and Rabah looking to make an impact in his first appearance.
Dmitry Menshikov vs. Mouhcine Chafi: A lightweight division showdown with Menshikov eyeing a rematch with Regian Eersel and Chafi aiming for his first promotional victory.
Edgar Tabares vs. Johan Ghazali: The young sensation Ghazali debuts in U.S. primetime against Edgar Tabares, Mexico's first WBC Muay Thai International Champion.
A Night of High Stakes and Unrivaled Talent
ONE Fight Night 17 is not just a showcase of the sport’s elite but also a testament to the growth and global appeal of Muay Thai. With its innovative rule set and a lineup brimming with talent and ambition, this event on Prime Video is poised to be a landmark in the sport's history.
As the excitement builds for ONE Fight Night 17, fans can anticipate a night filled with intense matchups and extraordinary displays of skill and strategy. This event is not just a fight night; it's a celebration of Muay Thai's vibrant culture and its ascent on the global stage, a must-watch for martial arts enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Tune in on December 8th at 8 PM EST on Prime Video for an unforgettable experience.