Hiroba Minowa and Sanzhar Zakirov set to clash in pivotal strawweight MMA showdown at ONE 168: Denver

Hiroba Minowa and Sanzhar Zakirov have been tasked to open the show for the world's largest martial arts organization's return to US soil at ONE 168: Denver.

On September 6, live in US primetime from the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, these strawweight MMA contenders will cross swords to see who advances in the 125-pound division.

Minowa has always been in the upper echelon of the strawweight MMA ranks, where he proved himself against elite competition. The Japanese star, however, couldn't quite get over the hump, struggling against the division's top-three fighters.

The STF standout dropped decision verdicts to Jarred Brooks, Bokang Masunyane, and Gustavo Balart. But not to be deterred, the fourth-ranked contender returned to his winning ways with a split decision victory over Jeremy Miado at ONE Fight Night 23 in July.

The 25-year-old will be up for a quick turnaround to defend his place in the top five against a streaking adversary who has yet to taste defeat.

Sanzhar Zakirov boasts a pristine 10-0 slate, including a marvelous 3-0 run in the ONE Friday Fights series.

The unbeaten Uzbekistan fighter ran through Dave Bangguigui, Zaiundin Suleimanov, and Ryosuke Honda, by displaying his versatile skillset. Moreover, 'Tornado' is a proven finisher, with nine of his 10 wins coming inside the distance.

The 21-year-old stud will look to make a lasting impression in his Prime Video debut by taking out a seasoned warrior like Minowa.

---

Confirmed fights for ONE 168: Denver

American fans certainly can't wait for the bantamweight Muay Thai world title fight between champion Jonathan Haggerty and Superlek Kiatmoo9.

Elsewhere, a grappling super fight for the ages will also take place between lightweight submission grappling king Kade Ruotolo and Mikey Musumeci.

Here is the complete list of confirmed bouts at ONE 168:

Liam Harrison vs Seksan Or Kwanmuang (140-pound catchweight Muay Thai)

Hiroyuki Tetsuka vs Isi Fitikefy (welterweight MMA)

Aung La N Sang vs Shamil Erdogan (middleweight MMA)

Alyse Anderson vs Victoria Souza (atomweight MMA)

Maurice Abevi vs Samat Mamedov (lightweight MMA)

Sean Climaco vs Johan Estupinan (flyweight Muay Thai)

Johan Ghazali vs Josue Cruz (flyweight Muay Thai)

Adrian Lee vs Nicholas Cornejo (lightweight MMA)

Tickets for ONE 168 are available via Ticketmaster