Undefeated Turkish MMA star Shamil Erdogan faces tough test against Myanmar legend

Undefeated Turkish MMA star Shamil Erdogan is set to go head to head with former ONE two-division world champion Aung La N Sang in a middleweight contest at the organization’s next US event, ONE 168: Denver, which takes place in the morning hours on September 7.
A Turkish Olympic Freestyle Wrestling team member, the 33-year-old opened his ONE account with an impressive TKO win against Chinese counterpart Fan Rong last June.
The Turkish, whose arsenal includes world-class grappling, takedowns and technical striking, would be keen to push his clean overall MMA record to 10-0 at the expense of a well-established veteran.
The surging Erdogan faces a tough test as Aung La N Sang is a former ONE champion across two divisions, boasts 15 wins in his run within the organization, and has won his last three fights against Japan’s Yushin Okami, Brazil’s Gilberto Galvao, and Fan Rong.
Also, the 39-year-old veteran will most probably enjoy the support of the American crowd as he has spent most of his career training in the United States.
ONE 168: Denver’s sees ONE Flyweight Kickboxing world champion Superlek Kiatmoo9 challenge Jonathan Haggerty for the latter’s Bantamweight Muay Thai world title.
The card includes several top fights with Kade Ruotolo defending his ONE Lightweight Submission Grappling world crown against ONE Flyweight Submission Grappling title holder Mikey Musumeci in an all-American affair.
Britain’s Liam Harrison is also scheduled to make his long-awaited comeback against fan-favorite Seksan Or Kwanmuang who suffered his first loss in nine bouts in his most recent bout.
ONE 168: Denver kicks off at 3:00 AM Mecca on September 7.

from Sport360 – Latest Sports News https://sport360.com/article/boxing-mma/one-championship-mma/349053/undefeated-turkish-mma-star-shamil-erdogan-faces-tough-test-against-myanmar-legend

ONE Friday Fights 68: Prajanchai beats Di Bella, Superlek and Nabati victorious again

Prajanchai PK Saenchai became a two-sport champion at ONE Friday Fights 68, beating Jonathan Di Bella for the vacant ONE Strawweight Kickboxing world title.
Di Bella put in a solid performance in the first two rounds, but Prajanchai made a comeback, utilizing his wide arsenal to claim a memorable unanimous decision victory – and become the first man to ever defeat Di Bella in a kickboxing contest.
ONE Flyweight Kickboxing world champion Superlek stretched his winning streak to ten, beating compatriot Kongthoranee Sor Sommai. Superlek put in another dominant display, leaving Kongthoranee no chance, and ending the latter’s impressive form that saw him pick up seven wins on the trot.
The two Russians fighting on the card endured starkly different outcomes in their bantamweight bouts.
Kiamran Nabati was awarded a six-figure ONE contract after an impressive first-round knockout win against Suablack Tor Pran49. With the win, the Russian Muay Thai star improved his spotless professional record to 21-0.
However, Nabati’s compatriot Alaverdi Ramazanov suffered a disappointing second-round TKO loss against the returning Thai veteran Petchtanong Petchfergus in a clash of two former ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing world champions. While Petchtanong may move closer to a title shot after his triumphant return, Ramazanov’s form slump continues with this loss his third in his last four bouts.
Elsewhere, Thailand’s legend Pakorn PK Saenchai made a winning promotional debut with a stunning first-round knockout of France’s Rafi Bohic whose compatriot Jimmy Vienot also suffered a defeat at the hands of Shadow Singha Mawynn, while Australia’s Tyson Harrison picked up a unanimous decision victory against Sibmuen of Thailand.

from Sport360 – Latest Sports News https://sport360.com/article/boxing-mma/one-championship-mma/349051/one-friday-fights-68-prajanchai-beats-di-bella-superlek-and-nabati-victorious-again

Turkish MMA sensation ready to fast-track career in title-fight ONE Championship debut

Undefeated phenom Alibeg Rasulov has been handed a career-defining opportunity on his ONE Championship debut – and is ready to grasp it with both hands.
The 31-year-old has built up a fearsome reputation on the circuits of Asia and Europe, crafting a perfect 14-0 record with 10 finishes.
Heavy with his hands, but also adept on the ground – as his four submission wins suggest – Rasulov was already delighted to have been signed to ONE in the lightweight MMA division, but with current champion Christian Lee side-lined the Dagestan-born Turkish fighter will now open his career with an interim title fight.     
The man standing in his way of that gold is South Korea’s Ok Rae Yoon. The former lightweight champion needs little in the way of introduction and holds an enviable list of victims – including current champion Lee. Add to that the likes of Eddie Alvarez and Marat Gafurov and it is easy to see why he is held in such high esteem. 
For Rasulov however, this is all a question of timing, and see this as an opportunity to usher in a new era for the lightweight division.
“He is a former champion, a good fighter, and he has beaten many high-level fighters,” he said. “I was dreaming about such an opponent, so I was very happy when I received his name. I believe it’s my time and I will pass him.
 “I’m very excited about it and happy to be given such an opportunity. I feel no pressure at all. It’s a good chance for me.  
“My goal in ONE Championship is to become a dominant champion. This win is very important for me. I will be ready.”
Hailing originally from Dagestan, it goes without saying that Rasulov has been raised on a diet of wrestling, and he is confident that element of his game can prove decisive when the pair meet at ONE Fight Night 23 in the early hours of Saturday, July 6 AST. 
“His advantage is his stand-up,” said Rasulov. “He mostly fights standing and doesn’t allow you to take him down. He is a good defensive wrestler.
“It’s going to be an interesting fight. He fights standing up, while I mostly wrestle. The one who forces his game will win, but I’m still confident in myself.  
“He fought Marat Gafurov, my countryman, and I saw that Dagestani wrestling was stronger. 
“If I don’t succeed in wrestling, I will fight standing, but I can fight on the ground as well. I’m going to force my tempo on him.”
As for Rasulov’s longer-term motivation, it is simple – to dominate the lightweight division.
“This organization is the best in the world. It gives athletes motivation to be stronger. I’m very happy to compete there and become a champion.”

from Sport360 – Latest Sports News https://sport360.com/article/boxing-mma/one-championship-mma/349049/turkish-mma-sensation-ready-to-fast-track-career-in-title-fight-one-championship-debut

ONE Championship revenue boom looks set to make organisation profitable in 2024

On the back of a $1.3bn valuation, ONE Championship is set to hit profitability in 2024.
Forbes recently listed the organisaiton at the fourth most valuable sports promotion in the world, and now CEO Chatri Sityodtong has confirmed they are on target to reach profitability in the second half of this year.
Mr Sityodtong said revenues are set to increase by 50% year-on-year, and this alongside ‘good cost optimisation’ is yielding results. 
ONE Championship launched in 2011 but for a long period had been seen as a promotion for the Far East. However, regular international shows, and a TV audience which spans 195 countries worldwide has made it a household name among fight fans. 
2023 was the promotions busiest to date with more than 60 live shows including the ever-popular ONE Friday Fights, and the Fight Night series geared more towards a US audience.
This year we have seen ONE’s return to live shows in the MENA region with ONE 166: Qatar in March which was a sellout success. This, combined with a regional TV deal with BeIn Sports and an ever growing list of fighters from the region has dramatically increased its footprint in both the Middle East and North Africa. 
“After more than 12 years of investing in our global brand, a worldwide platform, a live content and distribution engine, our global fandom, and our world championship athlete roster, my team and I are thrilled that ONE has entered a new phase of profitable growth,” said Mr Sityodtong.
“In 2024, ONE continues to set record highs in viewership metrics with 60 live events, underpinning the sharp increase in revenues from multiple countries,” he added.
On the company valuation, Mr Sidyodtong was even more bullish – seeing even greater numbers based on recent success.
“I know that Forbes Magazine estimated a valuation of US$1.3 billion to ONE a few weeks ago, but I believe that ONE is worth more than what Forbes estimates,’ he said.
‘Our last round with investors was done at US$1.4 billion in 2021. Since 2021, ONE has grown exponentially in popularity metrics, driving significant revenue growth for ONE.’
 

from Sport360 – Latest Sports News https://sport360.com/article/boxing-mma/one-championship-mma/349048/one-championship-revenue-boom-looks-set-to-make-organisation-profitable-in-2024

Algeria’s Elias Mahmoudi returns at ONE Fight Night 24

Muay Thai standout Elias Mahmoudi returns to ONE Championship in August – with hopes of getting back on the road to a world title shot.
The 26-year-old Algerian had worked his way to a flyweight kickboxing world title fight against the legendary Superlek, but a rib injury robbed him of that opportunity in January of this year.
Now he is fit to return and in the early hours of August 3, what will be almost a year to the day since his last outing, he will once again make the walk to the ONE Championship ring.
His first-round KO of Edgar Tabares might seem a distant memory now, but fight fans have been chomping at the bit to see Mahmoudi back in action. 
A multiple world champion with various organisations, Mahmoudi has been fighting in Thailand since the age of just nine and is a prodigious talent with huge support across three continents. 
At ONE Fight Night 24, his opponent will be Taiki Naito – the 28-year-old Japanese striker who is well versed in Karate, kickboxing, and Muay Thai.
MENA fight fans will recognise him as the man who took down Iran’s Amir Naseri back in 2022.
With Mahmoudi nicknamed The Sniper, and Naito The Silent Sniper we know both will be looking for the conclusive head shots – it is just a question of who lands the killer blow first.
At the top of the August 3 card, we see two blockbuster title fights. In the absence of Strawweight MMA World Champion Joshua “The Passion” Pacio, Jared Brooks and Gustavo Balart will do battle for the interim crown, while Danielle Kelly will put her atomweight submission grappling belt on the line against Mayssa Bastos.

from Sport360 – Latest Sports News https://sport360.com/article/boxing-mma/one-championship-mma/349046/algerias-elias-mahmoudi-returns-at-one-fight-night-24

Hublot this summer kicks off its fifth UEFA Euro

On and off the pitch, get ready for an unforgettable month of football with Hublot.
The Swiss luxury watchmaker is back for its fifth run in the UEFA EURO since 2008. Hublot will be on the pitch of the 17th edition of the UEFA EURO 2024™ with the iconic Big Bang shaped fourth referee board and with the Big Bang e, that will be worn by the referees of the competition, to time every second of pure adrenaline.
For nearly two decades, Hublot has been beating to the rhythm of football, a passion now kicked into high gear with the official UEFA EURO2024™ watch, the Hublot Big Bang e Gen3 UEFA EURO 2024™.
This summer promises to be one of the most exciting moments in European football with 22 thrilling matchdays, 24 passionate teams, 51 games, and an anticipated 5 billion fans watching worldwide. That’s 275,400 seconds – not including extra time – accurately timed by Hublot, ensuring that every second counts.
Above and beyond the stats, Hublot’s love for football will unite fans across the globe. Different teams, different countries, one shared love for football.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hublot (@hublot)
Germany plays host to the 17th edition of the UEFA European Championship from June 14 to July 14, 2024, marking 36 years since its last hosting in 1988. The tournament kicks off with the group stage, running until June 26, followed by the knockout stage starting on June 29.
The opening match sees Germany facing off against Scotland at the Munich Football Arena on Friday, June 14.
Nine of the ten venues are familiar grounds for Hublot, having served as timekeeping arenas during the 2006 World Cup. The championship concludes with the final showdown at Berlin’s Olympiastadion on Sunday, July 14, 2024.
In 2006, Hublot became the first luxury brand to kick off a partnership with football, championing the sport and uniting fans under the “Hublot Loves Football” banner. Hublot has been a part of the UEFA Euro since 2008.
This UEFA EURO 2024™ will mark Hublot’s fifth consecutive partnership with the competition. Hublot’s journey continues with the now iconic Big Bang shaped fourth referee board for signaling substitutions and extra time, as well as developing the Big Bang e connected watch, specifically designed for referees.
With Ambassador Kylian Mbappé and Friends of the Brand Marcel Desailly, Didier Deschamps, Luis Figo, Ada Hegerberg, Sami Khedira, Roberto Martinez, José Mourinho, Alex Morgan, Hervé Renard, Gareth Southgate and David Trezeguet, Hublot is at the heart of football and stands alongside legendary competitions such as FIFA World Cup, UEFAEURO, Champions League and Europa League.
Hublot’s ‘Every Second Counts’ campaign has dreamt up a Cinematic Kick! In the final seconds, with the Hublot Big Bang e Gen3 ticking away, Kylian Mbappé dazzles on the pitch, evading defenders to score a last-minute winning goal!
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hublot (@hublot)
This film dives into the French captain’s focused mind, capturing the passion Hublot shares for football. On Kylian Mbappé’s wrist, the Big Bang e UEFA EURO 2024TM, a game-changer on and off the field, with highly impressive technology.
This connected watch will allow its wearer to follow – in real time – the UEFA 2024 European Championship. Join Hublot in Munich on June 14 for the opening match of the UEFA EURO 2024TM. Hublot Loves Football!

from Sport360 – Latest Sports News https://sport360.com/article/football/349044/hublot-this-summer-kicks-off-its-fifth-uefa-euro

Three fights being slept on at ONE 167: Tawanchai vs. Nattawut II

As we get ever closer to ONE 167: Tawanchai vs. Nattawut II the hype around one of the year’s best looking fight cards is real.
With the likes of Tawanchai defending his featherweight Muay Thai world title, Rodtand Jitmuangnon returning, Kade Ruotolo making his MMA bow, and Mikey Musumeci facing the last man to defeat him we can all see why the Impact Arena in Bangkok event is so highly anticipated.
But which fights are passing under the radar? We take a look at three bouts that could steal the show.
Johan Estupinan vs Zafer Sayik
The first bout of the night has fireworks written all over it in the bantamweight Muay Thai division. Both Estupinan and Sayik are known for their flashy styles, and both will be looking to end proceedings as quickly as possible. Sayik may have lost on his ONE Championship debut but is a 13-time national kickboxing champion in Turkey, with a reputation as a lethal striker across Europe. Estupinan is coming off a super-quick turnaround having only made his debut two weeks ago. The Colombian certainly made his mark that night though with a stunning KO to announce his presence in the division. It’s unlikely this goes the distance.
Liam Harrison vs Katsuki Kitano
That fact that we are even considering a Liam Harrison fight as being ‘slept on’ says everything about this card. The Brit has not been seen in action since August 2022, but will always be considered as one of the world’s premier strikers. A multiple time and weight world champion in Muay Thai, Harrison has been taking victims for well over two decades – most of them inside the distance. This week he faces someone at the other end of their career in Japan’s Katsuki Kitano. A Road To ONE: Japan winner, he blew away the competition on the show, and was ultra impressive on his promotional debut last year. This is a man with bucket loads of talent and will be eyeing a run to a title shot.
 Johan Ghazali vs Nguyen Tran Duy Nhat
This is something of a battle of the generations in the flyweight Muay Thai division. Malaysian American Ghazali may only be 17-years-old but has already built himself a 5-0 record in ONE Championship – with four of those wins coming by stunning knockout. Last time out Edgar Tabares barely made it out of the first 30 seconds before a clubbing right hand ended things. However Vietnam’s Nguyen Tran Duy Nhat will be no pushover. At 35, he certainly has experience on his side – and five Muay Thai world titles to back that up. Looking to bounce back after a loss to Denis Puric last time out, this would be the perfect opportunity for Nguyen to establish his place in the division.
Middle East fight fans can watch ONE 167: Tawanchai vs. Nattawut II live on BeIN SPORTS  as well as watch.onefc.com on Saturday June 7 from 3am AST.

from Sport360 – Latest Sports News https://sport360.com/article/boxing-mma/one-championship-mma/349042/three-fights-being-slept-on-at-one-167-tawanchai-vs-nattawut-ii

French-Algerian Akram Hamidi headlines at ONE Friday Fights 66

Akram Hamidi returns to ONE Championship action tomorrow, as he headlines a stellar card at ONE Friday Fights 66.
The French Algerian is 1-1 in ONE Championship, but last time out took current strawweight Muay Thai world champion Prajanchai PK Saenchai the distance, so his pedigree in the division is clear.
The 25-year-old has been handed another tough task however, in the form of  Rajadamnern Stadium Muay Thai World Champion Kongchai Chanaidonmueang. 
21-year-old Thai fighter Kongchai has made a big impact in ONE Championship since making his debut a little over a year ago. He has four wins under his belt in the promotion, with only two defeats to Kompet Fairtex blotting his record. 
Hamidi is a three-time ISKA Kickboxing World Champion and his combative and aggressive style has won many plaudits from the fight world. He now intends to silence Kongchai’s home crowd at the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok and position himself for another shot at Pranjancai and potentially a world title.
ONE Friday Fights 66 takes place Friday June 7 3.30pm GST at the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium, Bangkok. This is an event not to be missed so mark your calendars, tune in to watch live on BeIN Sports, download the ONE Super App, and go to watch.onefc.com now!

from Sport360 – Latest Sports News https://sport360.com/article/boxing-mma/one-championship-mma/349041/french-algerian-akram-hamidi-headlines-at-one-friday-fights-66

Adrian Lee looks to continue family legacy at ONE 167: Tawanchai vs. Nattawut II

For an 18-year-old following three family members into ONE Championship, two of whom have been multiple-time world champions, it would be easy to understand if they were daunted by the prospect.
However, Adrian Lee seems to be taking all the attention in his stride.
The Lee family name is a storied one in ONE Championship. Adrian’s brother, and training partner, Christian, is the current lightweight and welterweight MMA champion, while older sister Angela has retired from the ring after being ONE’s atomweight world champion.
This week at ONE 167: Tawanchai vs. Nattawut II the 18-year-old gets to start his journey with the world’s biggest martial arts organisation.
At the Impact Arena in Bangkok, the same arena Angela defended her title for the first time, Adrian takes on  Antonio Mammarella in a lightweight MMA clash in what feels like the culmination of a lifetime’s work despite his tender age. 
He seems remarkably relaxed though.
“Of course, all the competition that I’ve had previous to this are all things that will help me handle the pressure,” he said. “But, I just believe in my training and when the time comes, I’ll be ready for it.”
He has already realised he won’t be paid by the minute in Bangkok – and plans on finishing the night as quickly as possible.
““During this camp, we’ve been practically focused on everything, but the main thing we’ve been focused on is just how to get the job finished as soon as possible,” he said. “Of course, the ideal scenario would first off just be to finish as fast as possible in round one, either by TKO or submission, whatever comes first.  
“However, my main goal is just to get out there, win, and finish.”
If all goes to plan this weekend, then his next steps will be to stay busy in the next 12 months and see where that takes him – including the possibility of a fight on home soil.
““After this fight, I plan on being very frequent, hopefully getting in another one or two fights this year and a few fights next year. 
“I think it’s great that ONE is coming over to the U.S. again, and I’m excited to see how they’re going to do. 
“I would love to compete on a show in Hawaii. I don’t know if ONE will ever be able to come to Hawaii, but if so, I’d love to be able to compete in front of my friends and family.”
Middle East fight fans can watch ONE 167: Tawanchai vs. Nattawut II live on BeIN SPORTS  as well as watch.onefc.com on Saturday June 7 from 3am AST.

from Sport360 – Latest Sports News https://sport360.com/article/boxing-mma/one-championship-mma/349040/adrian-lee-looks-to-continue-family-legacy-at-one-167-tawanchai-vs-nattawut-ii

Sport360Arabiya wins Best Sports Platform at the Arab Media Forum

Sport360Arabiya was honoured with the prestigious Best Sports Platform award at the Arab Media Forum (AMF). The 22nd edition of the awards – organised as part of Day 2 of the Arab Media Summit 2024 – took place on Tuesday, May 28 at Dubai World Trade Centre.
The AMF is the Middle East’s largest media thought leadership event, organised by the Dubai Press Club under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE.
Sport360Arabiya is the Arabic publishing arm of Sport360X, flourishing on various social media platforms including Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and X while also retaining a large website audience. It is dedicated to providing comprehensive sports news, analysis, and exclusive content to audiences across the Arab world. With a commitment to excellence in sports journalism, Sport360Arabiya connects fans with the latest developments in the world of sports through its innovative and engaging approach.

This remarkable achievement is a testament to Sport360Arabiya’s editorial team’s relentless dedication to delivering top-notch sports content, insightful analysis, and engaging experiences for its passionate audience across the region. The award highlights the platform’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of sports journalism and fostering a deep connection with sports enthusiasts.
“We are incredibly proud to receive this esteemed award,” said Bassam Nawfal, Sport360X Managing Director. “It is a reflection of the hard work and commitment of our entire team. Their dedication to excellence in sports media has been instrumental in earning this recognition. We are also immensely grateful to our loyal readers and fans, whose support and engagement inspire us to continually strive for greatness.”

Sport360Arabiya has consistently set itself apart by providing comprehensive and innovative sports coverage, leveraging multimedia platforms to reach a broad audience.
The platform’s success is driven by its ability to deliver up-to-the-minute sports news, in- depth analysis, and exclusive content that resonates with sports fans.
As Sport360Arabiya celebrates this significant milestone, it remains focused on its mission to bring the latest and greatest in sports coverage to its audience. The platform looks forward to continuing its journey of excellence and innovation in sports media.
About Sport360X
Sport360X has been telling the Middle East’s very best sport stories for more than a decade across video, social, gaming and events. It boasts the narrative and creative skills, in Arabic and English, to produce market-leading content that builds affinity with fans and commercial partners alike.
Access is provided to more than 15m followers on Sport360X’s native social media platforms, plus websites that generate more than 12m monthly page views.

from Sport360 – Latest Sports News https://sport360.com/article/other/349035/sport360arabiya-wins-best-sports-platform-at-the-arab-media-forum