'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
ONE bantamweight MMA world champion Fabricio Andrade hopes to kick off his reign as the divisional king in style at ONE 170 on Jan. 24.
After a lengthy absence due to separate injury spells, 'Wonder Boy' is ready to stay unbeaten in MMA on the global stage and remind challenger, No. 3-ranked Kwon Won Il, that his knockout power is still as potent as ever.
Trending
While he has that 62-second knockout win of 'Pretty Boy' on his resume, he cannot assume the South Korean will be easy prey inside the sold-out Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.
Get the latest updates on One Championship Rankings at Sportskeeda and more
Kwon has been unstoppable since that forgettable night inside the Singapore Indoor Stadium. The 29-year-old has TKO'd three opponents on the trot to find himself within touching distance from the bantamweight MMA crown.
Before the pair add another chapter to their rivalry in the "Land of Smiles" at ONE 170 this Friday, Sportskeeda MMA's team of ONE Championship analysts lay out their picks and provide a full rundown of this epic rematch between two knockout specialists.
Ted Razon: Fabricio Andrade by submission
Fabricio Andrade and Kwon Won Il are two of the best 145-pound fighters in the world and I believe they’ll prove it with one hell of a fight.
‘Wonder Boy’ is coming off a lengthy break following a slew of injuries, and he might need to shake off the cobwebs early on.
The challenger’s best bet is to tag the champion before he gets his rhythm. I see Kwon moving the needle early and perhaps even stunning Andrade with his wicked straights.
However, I believe the Brazilian kingpin has underrated durability, which he showed by surviving John Lineker’s haymakers in their two battles.
Andrade should be able to absorb the South Korean’s hard shots. He should also attack the body, where he found great success in their first duel.
The champ should mix things up and land some takedowns. While Kwon showed great improvements in the grappling department, I believe Andrade still has him beat in this area.
I predict Andrade can assert his dominance in grappling exchanges and retain his belt via a rear naked choke submission.
James De Rozario: Fabricio Andrade by KO in R2
Kwon Won Il will pay too much attention to Fabricio Andrade's hands and kicks, so much so that he'll leave himself exposed to the Brazilian's supreme short-ranged weapons.
As a result, I see Andrade catching 'Pretty Boy' with a knee as the second round starts, just as he penalized Jeremy Pacatiw in the opening round years ago.
Andrade has everything - dynamite hands, athleticism, a wide range of weapons, the ability to mix things up, and an eye to recognize a chance for a finish. He'll put all of that to good use from the sound of the bell to ensure he stays one step ahead of the challenger.
Though I see Kwon surviving longer than he did compared to their first fight, he'll just be on borrowed time. And his eagerness to land something big to reduce the deficit in the second round will be his downfall. As he attempts to launch in with a straight or overhand, the divisional king will stab him with a knee to end his night early.
Mike Murillo: Fabricio Andrade by KO in R3
Fabricio Andrade was impressive in his opening-round KO win over Kwon Won il in their first showdown back in 2022.
The explosive South Korean should perform better in their rematch at ONE 170 but the outcome would still be the same with ‘Wonder Boy’ winning.
I see him doing it by knockout in the third round, anchored on the pressure he packs with his crisp striking. He is also doubly motivated to come up with a huge win as apart from defending the bantamweight MMA world title for the first time, he is coming off a defeat and a long layoff.
Kwon would put up a tough stand in the early goings and go for an early finish like what he has been doing throughout his run in ONE Championship.
However, I believe Andrade will be able to handle it and eventually finish things midway into the scheduled five-rounder.
Vince Richards: Fabricio Andrade by KO
Fabricio Andrade has always guaranteed fireworks every time he stepped inside the Circle, but it would be intriguing to see how he would operate following a long battle with injuries.
Kwon Won Il, meanwhile, has been on a tear with three straight knockout wins heading into ONE 170.
This match couldn’t have pitted two fighters on opposite ends of the momentum spectrum, nevertheless, I still see this fight going Andrade’s way.
The ONE bantamweight MMA world champion is one of the most dangerous fighters on the planet, but it doesn’t mean Kwon won’t put up a fight.
These bitter rivals will put on an absolute show in Bangkok, but Andrade’s accuracy will prove crucial in this duel.
Fabricio Andrade is a pure sniper once he’s in range, and Kwon would once again be at the mercy of the Brazilian star’s striking.
Ultimately, Andrade will retain his throne via knockout.
ONE 170, which broadcasts live from the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand, will be available at watch.onefc.com this Friday, Jan. 24.
