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The recently-concluded "NextGen" event on October 29th offered ONE Championship fans an eclectic combination of mixed martial arts and kickboxing action, which produced incredible fireworks across six intense bouts.
As the year draws to a close, ONE is stacking all its chips and is looking to close the year out on a high note.
The Singapore-based promotion returns this Friday with the second iteration of this entertaining series, ONE: NextGen II, which again features some compelling matchups across the full spectrum of martial arts.
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This one has a little bit of everything, with two Muay Thai blockbusters to go along with two MMA bouts and two alternate bouts in the prestigious ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Grand Prix.
Fans of the promotion have been treated to impressive martial arts showcases throughout the years, and this one is no different.
There’s definitely something for everyone in this event. But in case you still aren’t convinced why you need to check it out, here are five reasons to watch ONE: NextGen II.
#5. ONE Super Series Muay Thai action
ONE Super Series premiered for ONE Championship in 2018, and since then, the promotion has hosted the absolute best in striking martial arts. In fact, it’s hard to argue against ONE being the premiere destination for action and adrenaline junkies who love the purity of the striking realm.
ONE: NextGen II offers a pair of intense caged Muay Thai battles, with fighters donning four-ounce gloves for maximum impact.
First up on the menu is a battle between former ONE world title challenger Han Zi Hao and the tough Victor ‘Leo’ Pinto. This is a much-anticipated rematch, with the two fighters having squared off previously in 2016. In that fight, Pinto earned a decision victory after five hard-fought rounds.
Both men have improved by leaps and bounds since then, especially Han, who has the experience advantage in ONE Super Series. This fight promises explosive action to kick off ONE: NextGen II, and there’s a lot at stake. Either Pinto breaks the tie, or Han evens things up to set up the rubber match.
Nevertheless, it’s a great way to jumpstart the festivities, and set the tone for all the prime matchups on tap.
#4. Classic striker vs. grappler matchup between ONE welterweights
Malaysian sensation Agilan ‘Alligator’ Thani is looking to make a rousing comeback and remind fans why he’s one of the best fighters in ONE Championship.
The former ONE welterweight world title challenger was last seen in action in December 2020, dropping a unanimous decision to American Tyler McGuire. Thani has since left Monarchy MMA, opting for a more independent training regimen which he says has helped take his game to the next level.
Thani, however, is beginning his climb back towards the welterweight elite in a stipulated 86-kilogram catchweight contest. He will square off against hard-hitting foe Hiroyuki ‘The Japanese Beast’ Tetsuka in a classic striker versus grappler matchup.
With Thani playing the role of world-class wrestler, and Tetsuka assuming the role of knockout artist, it provides a great contrast of styles. Thani owns five submissions on his resume. Conversely, Tetsuka has six knockouts. Ultimately, the fight could come down to who can impose his will.
With a combined 15 finishes out of 20 victories between the two, this fight all but guarantees fans a quick ending.
#3. More ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Grand Prix bouts
At ONE: NextGen II, Zhang Chunyu faces Dovydas Rimkus, while Smokin’ Jo Nattawut takes on Yurik Davtyan in a pair of ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Grand Prix alternate bouts.
Four semi-finalists have already been identified, with Marat Grigorian, Sitthichai, Chingiz Allazov and Davit Kiria advancing to the next round behind explosive performances just last month. These four will battle it out for a spot in the final round of the Grand Prix. But if any of these original participants have to bow out of the tournament for any reason, the alternates will be ready to take their place.
The prestigious tournament commenced at ONE: First Strike, with eight of the world’s best featherweight kickboxers vying for the chance to become the next contender for the ONE featherweight kickboxing world title.
The king of the division has also been crowned, with Thai superstar Superbon scoring the biggest knockout victory of his illustrious career -- a second-round head kick KO over the legendary Giorgio Petrosyan. The win netted Superbon the ONE world title, and he’s now waiting for his first challenger.
If you’re a kickboxing fan, ONE Super Series is must-watch TV, and this featherweight kickboxing tournament is nothing short of epic.
#2. Intense showdown between ONE featherweights
Back to mixed martial arts action, the ONE featherweight division is arguably the promotion’s most stacked in terms of talent. And if you’re looking for a thrilling matchup between absolute killers, Tang Kai versus Yoon Chang Min will most certainly satisfy your craving.
Tang Kai is one of the most powerful featherweights in the promotion, and his 10 knockouts out of 12 wins is evidence of that.
Since joining ONE Championship, Tang Kai has won all four of his bouts, defeating top contenders Sung Jong Lee, Edward Kelly, Keanu Subba, and Ryogo Takahashi. He’s currently riding a seven-fight winning streak, which extends back to his days with Rebel FC.
Meanwhile, Yoon Chang Min is also on a tear, winning five of his first six fights as a professional. But while Tang Kai is a dangerous striker, Yoon Chang Min is a masterful grappler, with four submissions out of his five wins.
Both of these guys are looking to break into the top five at featherweight, and this might be the stage where they could do just that. Only one man can exit the Circle with the victory, though. So may the best man win.
#1. The return of former ONE world title challenger Saemapetch
There’s no doubt who the premiere attraction at ONE: NextGen II is, and that’s former ONE world title challenger Saemapetch Fairtex. That’s the reason why he’s in the main event against Rittewada, an equally exciting striker who should bring out the best in him.
Saemapetch is 123-16-1 in his career, which is an astonishing number, considering how often he fights. At just 27 years of age, he has years of elite competition ahead of him. He’s also grown tremendously since his loss to reigning ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world champion Nong-O Gaiyanghadao in 2019, having since recorded three wins, including two knockouts.
Rittewada, on the other hand, comes from the famed Petchyindee Academy and is making his ONE Super Series debut.
Both Saemapetch and Rittewada are looking to earn a crack at Nong-O.
Saemapetch is currently the No. 1 contender in the division, so he has more to lose than Rittewada. But if he can emerge victorious, it will certainly strengthen his case for a rematch with his legendary senior. On the flipside, Rittewada beating Saemapetch would instantly catapult him into the division’s top contender spot.
