WATCH: South Korean knockout machine Kwon Won Il leaves Chen Rui in a bloody mess in brutal display of accuracy

Before Kwon Won Il steps into the Circle to challenge Fabricio Andrade for the bantamweight MMA crown later this month, ONE Championship has revisited a pivotal bout that supplemented his rise as a top contender.

Known for his electrifying knockout power, his mettle was put to the test against Chinese hard-hitter Chen Rui at ONE: Unbreakable II in January 2021.

Watch the highlights of the matchup below:

South Korea’s ‘Pretty Boy’ had to dig deep to overcome a relentless Chen in a grueling battle that nearly went the distance. The bout was a showcase of heart and power, as both warriors stood toe-to-toe, trading heavy strikes at the center of the cage.

The second round was particularly brutal, leaving both athletes teetering on the edge of exhaustion. Chen absorbed Kwon's heaviest shots, refusing to go down after 10 minutes of ferocious action.

However, Kwon found his moment in the early seconds of the third round. Pinning Chen against the fence, he unleashed a precise combination, culminating in a devastating rib shot that brought the match to an abrupt and emphatic end.

That victory marked the beginning of a stellar run for Kwon, who has since won six of his last seven outings to secure his spot as a world title challenger.

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Kwon Won Il vies for gold at ONE 170

Now, Kwon Won Il faces the defining moment of his career at ONE 170, set to take place at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand, on January 24.

Standing in his way is reigning ONE bantamweight MMA world champion Fabricio Andrade, a familiar foe who defeated the South Korean with a crushing body kick in just 62 seconds during their first encounter in June 2022.

This time, Kwon enters the second encounter not only with his sights set on the championship gold but also with a burning desire for redemption.