Mixed martial arts is a sport filled with professional fighters who trash-talk and mean-mug. ONE Championship, though, has a host of athletes who are genuinely kind and nice people on its roster.
It is such a contrast as these five fighters are so warm outside the circle, but once the door locks, they become warriors.
The list below names the five nicest fighters currently competing under the ONE Championship banner.
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#5. Demetrious ‘Mighty Mouse’ Johnson
Demetrious Johnson has competed globally in MMA and at the very highest level. He is well known as a record-breaker in the UFC and currently reigns as the ONE flyweight world champion.
Historically, 'Mighty Mouse' has never trash-talked his opponents. To the very fighters with whom he battles against, he shows full respect to them during press conferences and weigh-ins.
That is such a stark contrast to once the door locks. When that happens, Demetrious Johnson is no longer a gentleman and instead goes to war. 'Mighty Mouse' discussed the two sides of him earlier this year when he spoke to Joe Rogan.
Johnson explained:
“There are two sides to me. There’s me who’s just chilling and happy-go-lucky. Then there’s a dark side to me... This is how I provide for my family. You can say whatever the f*** you want to me. When that door closes, I’m going to fight you with every bit of me."
Demetrious Johnson will be back in action on May 5 in the main event of ONE on Prime Video 10 in Colorado. Johnson and Adriano Moraes have traded knockout wins against each other and will now battle in their final chapter.
#4. Mikey ‘Darth Rigatoni’ Musumeci
American grappling phenom Mikey Musumeci is an incredibly soft-spoken person. By hearing him speak in interviews, one would assume that he is a school teacher for children.
'Darth Rigatoni' does not have the mean look of a normal fighter who is covered in tattoos and muscles. Instead, Musumeci has the look of a professional chess player.
However, in the grappling arts, the ONE Championship flyweight submission grappling world champion will choke out any opponent or happily snap their limbs in half. At the age of 26, he is one of the most talented Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes on Earth.
Musumeci will return to action at ONE On Prime Video 6 on January 13. 'Darth Rigatoni' will be facing lethal Sambo world champion Sayan Khertek.
#3. 'The Burmese Python' Aung La N Sang
A former two-division world champion in ONE Championship, Aung La N Sang is a dangerous fighter. 'The Burmese Python' has been able to stop skilled opponents by either knockout or submission, and he packs power in each fist.
However, Aung La N Sang fights for his family and their future. As a father, he competes in ONE Championship to ensure his family is fed and happy. His background was not fighting in the streets, but instead saw him earn a degree in agricultural farming.
Today, he is fighting for the nation of Myanmar and trying to support the nation in any way he can. He has even partnered with a local farming group to help benefit the farmers of Myanmar.
Fresh off of his TKO win over Yushin Okami, Aung La will be back in the ONE Championship circle against Fan Rong At ONE On Prime Video 6 on January 13.
#2. Stamp Fairtex
Thai-born MMA superstar Stamp Fairtex is a violent fighter. She looks to finish her opponents with hard elbows, knees, or even forceful submissions. In the ONE circle, she is a danger to her opponent.
But outside of the ONE Championship circle, she is a giggling sweetheart who dances while she trains. She has also captured the hearts of the combat sports community with her bashful smile.
Stamp will have a major test at ONE on Prime Video 6 on January 13 as she battles striking ace Anissa Meksen. They'll collide in a mixed-rules superfight that will alternate between MMA and Muay Thai.
#1. 'Super' Sage Northcutt
If a golden retriever was a person, it would be Sage Northcutt. The US athlete has a background in karate and is well known for his strength and kicking power in the ONE Championship circle.
'Super' Sage is always a polite gentleman who smiles throughout all of his interviews. Even in his fight callouts, he is polite. When he was trying to secure a fight against Shinya Aoki, he complimented his target by saying:
"Don’t worry [Shinya Aoki] it’s on! When I’m we’ll soon, I’m your next opponent! Good job with another submission tonight."
All ONE on Prime Video events are free to North American fans with a Prime Video subscription. ONE on Prime Video 6 is booked for January 13.