Watch: Relive Superbon vs Grigorian ahead of their ONE Friday Fights 58 title clash

In just one week’s time Superbon Singha Mawynn and Marat Grigorian will once again collide in the latest installment of their storied rivalry.
On the line at ONE Friday Fights 58 will be the ONE interim featherweight kickboxing world title, and a route back towards a shot at current divisional king Chingiz Allazov.
It was Superbon who Allazov took the title from, and has since defended against Grigorian – but the story between next week’s combatants cuts much deeper than that.
Before their days in ONE Championship Grigorian destroyed Superbon inside 30 seconds with a devastating knockout – but once both men arrived in the world’s largest martial arts organisation it was Superbon who would find revenge in a five-round unanimous decision win. 
Since his defeat to Allazov, Grigorian has scored an impressive KO win over Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong, while Superbon picked up a KO win of his own over Tayfun Ozcan, but failed in his bid to become featherweight Muay Thai champion when he lost to Tawanchai PK Saenchai in December. 
Superbon wants his title back, Grigorian wants his first taste of gold – before we get to see what comes next – let’s first relive their epic encounter last time out

ONE Friday Fights 58: Superbon vs. Grigorian II takes place Friday April 5 3.30pm GST at the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium, Bangkok. This is an event not to be missed so mark your calendars, tune in to the fight 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/348930/watch-relive-superbon-vs-grigorian-ahead-of-their-one-friday-fights-58-title-clash

ONE Friday Fights 58: Prajanchai bids to become a two sport world champion

When it comes to modern greats in the world of martial arts, the name Prajanchai P.K.Saenchai is always part of the conversation.
A Muay Thai hero, the 29-year-old Thai fighter has amassed a huge following thanks to his devastating striking skills, stunning agility, and rock solid defence.
With more than 400 fights to his name, he has amassed a string of accolades and world titles, including holding the prestigious Lumpinee Stadium and Rajadamnern Stadium World Titles in two different weight classes.
His illustrious 15-year career brought him to ONE Championship in July 2021, where he would pick up a majority decision win over Sam-A Gaiyanghadao on debut, to capture the ONE strawweight Muay Thai world title. 
That reign was short lived however as he suffered a shock defeat at the hands of Joseph Lasiri in May 2022.
Since that point we have seen a rejuvenated Prajanchai. One who has gone on a four-fight win streak including a stunning KO of Lasiri last time out to recapture his Muay Thai world crown.
On April 5, at the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium, Bangkok, he will be looking to add to his collection of gold and further enhance his legacy when he aims to become a two sport world champion.
Standing in his way will be the current strawweight kickboxing king, Jonathan di Bella. The Canadian Italian may only have two fights to his name in ONE, but a look at his overall record is staggering. 
A professional since the age of 19, the 27 year-old boasts an unblemished record in kickboxing and boxing – dominating the regional scenes of North American and further into the international arena. 
It was on his ONE debut that he captured the strawweight kickboxing world title defeating Zhang Peimian in five intense rounds, before following up with another hard fought decision in his first defence against Danial Williams. 
Prajanchai will offer his toughest task to date – but this is a man who simply does not know how to lose. 
Will it be two-sport domination for the Thai legend? Or another step to greatness for di Bella? Fight fans around the world will be excited to find out. 
ONE Friday Fights 58: Superbon vs. Grigorian II takes place Friday April 5 3.30pm GST at the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium, Bangkok. This is an event not to be missed so mark your calendars, tune in to the fight 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/348928/one-friday-fights-58-prajanchai-bids-to-become-a-two-sport-world-champion

200 teams to participate in Red Bull Half Court 3X3 competition in the UAE, with registration now open

Red Bull Half Court, the ultimate showcase of street basketball talent held in partnership with Dubai Sports Counciland master developer Arada, is back as registrations officially open for the highly anticipated qualifiers after last year’s huge success.
Basketball enthusiasts from across the UAE are invited to showcase their skills and compete for a chance to be crowned champions of the 3×3 tournament and qualify to the Red Bull Half Court world final in New York City.
The six qualifiers will kick off on March 23 until April 21, scheduled at various iconic locations across the Emirates, including Al Nasr, Uptown Mirdif Park, JLT, DAMAC Hills 1, Marina Mall, and Aljada. Participants can expect intense competition and electrifying displays of talent as they battle it out on the court to make it to the finals on April 27.
The event details were released during a press conference conducted at Dubai Sports Council with the presence of the basketball player & NBA Academy head coach Katie Batlin, Sports Mania CEO Tarek Abboud & the head of sports activation planning and execution at DSC Mr. Rached Abdallah.

The National Finals in Dubai will be attended by prominent Red Bull athletes, including basketball stars Wael Arakji, Ehab Amin and Nadine Selaawi and Chris ‘Lethal Shooter” Matthews, basketball’s most sought-after shooting coach.
Registrations are now open and participants are encouraged to secure their spot early to avoid missing out on this exhilarating opportunity.

from Sport360 – Latest Sports News https://sport360.com/article/other/regional-basketball/348923/200-teams-to-participate-in-red-bull-half-court-3×3-competition-in-the-uae-with-registration-now-open

Red Bull Four 2 Score electrifies Dubai Harbour for latest leg of unique global tournament

LOU emerged victorious at Dubai Harbour on Sunday in the latest leg of Red Bull Four 2 Score.
Their player will now represent the UAE in the tournament’s global finals, which will be held later this year in Germany.
Last week’s event was sponsored by Dubai Sports Council, in partnership with Arada, a leading real estate development company. It was attended by prominent sports figures and social media influencers, including UAE football star Yahya Al Ghassani, freestyle football world champion Sean Garnier and sports content creators Khalid Al Abbas  and Bashar Arabi.
The unique quad-team qualifiers kicked off for the second-consecutive year earlier this month, allowing amateur players from across UAE to showcase their football skills. The qualifiers took place in eight stages in Umm Al Quwain, Ajman, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Dubai, with top teams advancing to the national final hosted by Dubai Harbour.
The victors will now head to Germany’s RB Leipzig to compete for ultimate glory.
Red Bull Four 2 Score challenges amateur football players, aged between 16  and 35, to showcase their best football skills on a small pitch for 4 -vs-4 action. The teams, consisting of four players and one substitute, face off in matches lasting 10 minutes without breaks and without goalkeepers.
The tournament’s rules and concept are designed to allow participants to experience Red Bull’s unique philosophy of ‘Power Football’, with a twist: every goal in the first and last minutes counts double.

from Sport360 – Latest Sports News https://sport360.com/article/football/348921/red-bull-four-2-score-electrifies-dubai-harbour-for-latest-leg-of-unique-global-tournament

ONE Championship three-weight king reacts to praise from UFC champ Islam Makhachev

Anatoly Malykhin has reacted to UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev’s claim that the Russian is the ‘most dangerous man on the planet’ following his history-making win last week.
At ONE 166:Qatar, Malykhin defeated Reinier de Ridder for the ONE Middleweight MMA world title, adding to the light-heavyweight and heavyweight crowns he currently holds – becoming the first fighter to ever hold titles at three different weights concurrently.
It prompted the dominant UFC champion to post a picture of Malykhin on his Instagram story, proclaiming him as the most dangerous man around. 
The 36-year-old is 14-0 in his MMA career and has never even been taken the distance – it was only in his last two fights that he discovered what it was like to come out of a second round.
In response to Makhachev’s words, Malykhin was humbled, and also expressed his admiration for the man from Dagestan.
“It’s very inspiring to hear that,” said Malykhin. “Islam is the pound-for-pound number-one fighter. I’ve been following him for quite a long time. I used to watch Khabib’s fights, too. To see that, it’s an amazing sign of respect.”

from Sport360 – Latest Sports News https://sport360.com/article/boxing-mma/one-championship-mma/348919/one-championship-three-weight-king-reacts-to-praise-from-ufc-champ-islam-makhachev

Why weightless Sphaera might be Oakley’s most forgettable eyewear to date

Connected in name, design, and technology, Oakley’s latest releases, Sphaera™ and BiSphaera™, are the brand’s groundbreaking eyewear duo offering the most extended field of view yet.
Made by and for contenders, both are set to make a statement at the Summer Games. Tailored to meet the rigorous needs of athletes, these eyewear styles bring together the best elements from Oakley’s diverse sports lineup. They feature efficient and sleek designs optimized for comfort and style to inspire confidence and boundary-pushing performance, no matter the sport or athletic level.
Coined Oakley’s most forgettable eyewear yet, the frames provide an almost weightless feel when worn.
Sphaera represents a full circle in Oakley’s history and technology. The open-ended design theme symbolizes Oakley’s journey of continuous innovation, drawing from foundations of the past to inform a better tomorrow.
The perfect shape represents the order of the universe and stands for both the visible world around us and the invisible, sacred center within us.
Sphaera allows Team Oakley athletes across disciplines including Fred Kerley, Loana Lecomte, Mark Cavendish, Francisco Lindor, Dylan Fratelli, and more, to take their performance to the next level.
“It’s important that the eyewear I’m rocking on the track matches my overall style but doesn’t distract me from competing at the highest level,” said Fred Kerley, Team Oakley athlete and American track & field star. “Oakley gets what real athletes need, and with Sphaera, I’ll be at the top of my game this summer.”
Sphaera provides essential features for peak performance in an elegant frame, including Oakley most extended field of view yet. The eyewear also features Prizm™ Lens Technology to help you see every detail, a lightweight O-Matter™ frame, a front vent for enhanced airflow, and secure Unobtainium® nose pads and molded-in earsocks, for a no-slip grip even when you break a sweat.
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Highlighting its exceptional fit and comfort; once on, you might forget they’re there.
“Rock-solid peripheral vision is critical for performing my best, especially in the heat of competition, where a complete field of view is essential to win,” said French cross-country/mountain bike star and Team Oakley athlete, Loana Lecomte. “Sphaera’s stylish design with its wide lens is truly a game changer, helping me stay confident and composed on the course.”
BiSphaera, a versatile counterpart to the popular Flak® 2.0 XL, blends a sporty aesthetic with adaptability to get your vision sport ready. To be used by athletes in both sport and life, these dual-lens performance sunglasses seamlessly transition from dominating on the field to conquering the daily hostile. Designed with a similar brow and stem to Sphaera, BiSphaera offers the same lightweight and flexible comfort but with the option of Prizm ™ Lens Technology or Oakley Authentic Prescription lens options.
Look powerful and collected whether hitting the track, pavement, field or course, in the pinnacle of sports performance eyewear.
Starting February 15th, Oakley Sphaera and BiSphaera will be available on Oakley.com, in select Oakley stores and partners worldwide.

from Sport360 – Latest Sports News https://sport360.com/article/testing/348912/why-weightless-sphaera-might-be-oakleys-most-forgettable-eyewear-to-date

Thrilling Red Bull Four 2 Score action set to entertain Dubai Harbour on Saturday

For the second-consecutive year, the UAE is hosting the Red Bull Four 2 Score championship, bringing together four-player football teams on small pitches.
The tournament in the UAE is one of the stops in the global series, which returns this year to allow amateur players from different parts of the world to showcase their skills within a competition of unique rules that enhance quick play and exciting gameplay.
The UAE witnessed an intensive series of eight elimination stages that continued until Wednesday, March 6, and were held in Umm Al Quwain, Ajman, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Dubai, allowing amateur footballers to showcase their skills in Red Bull’s distinctive format.
All eyes are now on the national final, which will take place at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 9, at Dubai Harbour, one of the region’s prominent venues, sponsored by the Dubai Sports Council, and in partnership with Arada, a leading real estate development company in the UAE.

Yahya Al Ghassani, a Red Bull athlete and UAE international, will be one of the prominent faces of the tournament’s second edition. He will attend the competition alongside another prominent Red Bull athlete, who is Sean Garnier, freestyle football world champion.
Also, for the first time, the event will present a young Emirati football content creator with millions of followers, Khalid Al Abbasi, along with several top content creators in the region, including the Egyptian Amr Nassouhy and the Saudi Bashar Arabi.
The tournament consists of teams with four players (4 vs 4) with one substitute player, with players aged between 16 to 35-years old. Red Bull Four 2 Score differs from other football competitions with its unique rules that increase excitement and suspense, by counting a goal as double, during first and last minutes of the 10-minute matches.
There are no breaks or goalkeepers, but a constant need to score, especially in crucial moments.

In addition to its special match format that makes it enjoyable for both players and audiences, the grand prize will increase the incentive for local teams, because the winners of the UAE final will receive a fully funded trip to Germany to represent the country in the global championship hosted by RB Leipzig later this year.
The champions from the UAE will face winning teams from several countries, aiming to claim the title of the global final of the Red Bull Four 2 Score championship.
Match attendance is open to the public and free, allowing all football fans to head to Dubai Harbour, support their favourite teams and enjoy the competitions in its unique format, while discovering Red Bull’s unique “Power Football” philosophy.

from Sport360 – Latest Sports News https://sport360.com/article/regional-article/348905/thrilling-red-bull-four-2-score-action-set-to-entertain-dubai-harbour-on-saturday

ONE166: Qatar – Anatoly Malykhin makes history on incredible night in Middle East

Anatoly Malykhin became the first fighter to hold consecutive titles at three different weight categories as he defeated Reinier de Ridder at ONE 166: Qatar.
The Russian became the reigning ONE Championship MMA champion at heavyweight, light-heavyweight, and now middleweight after beating the Dutch BBJ expert de Ridder – the man he defeated for the light-heavyweight crown.
Malykhin always looked the more dangerous at the Lusail Sports Arena, constantly looking for the power right hand – but did need to overcome some first-round adversity when de Ridder dropped him with a sharp right hand.
Working the body was proving a strong tactic for the Russian as he applied constant pressure throughout the contest, punishing de Ridder with the right hand and forcing him to retreat back onto the fence.
The Dutchman looked tired at the end of the second round having absorbed some heavy artillery, and when a takedown was stifled by Malykhin midway through the third, the Russian was able to scramble up to his feet, but de Ridder remained down, exhausted and unable to continue.
That handed Malykhin a piece of history – 26 pounds more of gold, and a $50,000 bonus to boot. 
Tang Kai looked excellent on his return to the cage
In the co-main event, Tang Kai returned to the cage for the first time in almost 18 months to retain the ONE featherweight MMA title.
Standing across from him in Qatar, was Thanh Li – the man he beat for the title in August 2022, and interim champion heading into the bout. 
However, a fourth round knockout saw Tang Kai unify the division, and pick up a $50,000 fight bonus.
The first round has started cagily with both men finding their range, but picking up yellow cards for inactivity in the process. Kai pushed the pace in the second marking Thanh Li and bloodying his nose with a series of accurate strikes. Li returned the favour later in the round however, as he found his range and bust open the nose of his Chinese opponent.
After the action of the second, the third stanza was a little more edgy, but Cai brought the heat in the fourth and dropped his opponent with a big right hand before ending things with a flurry of punches on the ground. 
In the night’s other title fight, there was drama and controversy as America’s Jarred Brooks was disqualified in his defence of the ONE strawweight MMA title. 
Brooks had started in dominant fashion against Joshua Pacio from the Philippines, but a vicious slam one minute into the first round saw Pacio land directly on his head – something strictly outlawed in ONE Championship. 
Fight fans had long-awaited this rematch but the early ending resulted in something of an anticlimax. Pacio became the new champion as a result of the DQ – regaining the title he lost to Brooks in December 2002.

from Sport360 – Latest Sports News https://sport360.com/article/boxing-mma/one-championship-mma/348901/one166-qatar-anatoly-malykhin-makes-history-on-incredible-night-in-middle-east

ONE 166 Qatar: Amir Aliakbari impresses on otherwise tough night for Middle East fighters

Iran’s Amir Aliakbari picked up a huge win against a former ONE Championship world champion, but ONE 166:Qatar was generally a tough night for the Middle East fighters on the card.
In front of a vociferous crowd at the Lusail Sports Arena, Aliakbari always looked in control against Arjan Bhullar – and picked up a disqualification win thanks to the Indian’s unwillingness to fully engage. 
Heavyweight Aliakbari was heading towards a relatively comfortable unanimous decision win, but referee Herb Dean called a stop to proceedings a minute before the end of the final round.
The opening stanza was a cagey affair with both fighters looking respectful of the other’s power, but it was the Iranian who looked to hand his hands go, trying to find a home for his fight-changing right hand.
There was more of the same in the second, as Aliakbari landed straights, hooks, and uppercuts with the damaging right. Bhullar looked solid with his jab, but could not throw in any kind of volume, and that resulted in two yellow cards for inactivity.
Aliakbari again looked to land big in the third round but could not find a fight-ending shot or combination before the contest was brought to a premature end.   
Zuhayr Al-Qahtani has a tough night in Qatar
Boxing returned to ONE Championship for the first time since 2017, but it was not the ONE debut Saudi Arabia’s Zuhayr Al-Qahtani was hoping for. Striking legend Mehdi Zatout had come out of retirement to face the previously undefeated Al-Qahtani, and posed a puzzle that was just too tricky to solve.
Zatout looked confident throughout the fight, often seen with his guard low and throwing shots from unconventional angles that Al-Qahtani struggled to get to grips with.
At range Zatout controlled the distance and looked dangerous with his right hand, and when things came in close he was able to stifle Al-Qahtani’s attacks with relative ease.
All three judges scored the fight in favour of the Algerian who picked up a famous unanimous decision win.
Cleber Sousa got the better of Osamah Almarwai
Saudi-Yemeni grappling contender Osamah Almarwai also has a tough night in Qatar. He had hoped a win would put him back in reach of a title bout with reigning ONE flyweight Submission Grappling champion Mikey Musumeci, but Brazil’s Cleber Sousa had other ideas.
Sousa looked to get on the front foot from the outset, and Almarwai found himself on his back early on but was fending off the Brazilian’s attacks well and was looking for heel and ankle lock opportunities.
However as the round progressed Sousa was able to transition through different positions attacking both the arm and neck of his opponent before eventually getting a submission via armbar.
Moroccan Muay Thai debutant Zakaria El Jamari fell to Russia’s Ali Saldoev via second round KO.
 

from Sport360 – Latest Sports News https://sport360.com/article/boxing-mma/one-championship-mma/348896/one-166-qatar-amir-aliakbari-impresses-on-otherwise-tough-night-for-middle-east-fighters

ONE 166: Qatar card made official as key fighters pass hydration and make weight

The historic ONE 166: Qatar  fight card is now official after Thursday’s official hydration tests and weigh-ins.
There were no problems for the main event combatants Reinier de Ridder and Anatoly Malykhin who will meet for the ONE middleweight MMA title at the Lusail Sports Arena tomorrow from 3.30 Arabia Standard Time. Malykhin looked in great shape as he looks to make history by becoming the first fighter to hold world titles in three different weight divisions concurrently. His weight management has been made all the more incredible considering his last ONE Championship outing was in the heavyweight division. De Ridder similarly had no issues with hydration or on the scale, and he seeks revenge on the man who took his light-heavyweight title.
The co-main event had a momentary worry when MMA featherweight champion Tang Kai failed his hydration test, only to pass, and make weight at the second attempt. He will defend his title against interim champion Thanh Le, who faced no issues this morning. 
The second co-main event is also ready to go with both champion Jarred Brooks and challenger Joshua Pacio having no hydration or weight issues ahead of their strawweight MMA clash.
For the MENA talent on the card, the only slight concern was Iran’s Amir Aliakbari failing his first hydration test, before passing and making weight at the second attempt to confirm his heavyweight clash with India’s Arjan Bhullar.
Elsewhere, Yemeni-Saudi Osamah Almarwai and his opponent Cleber Sousa has their flyweight submission grappling contest confirmed, as did Saudi Arabia’s Zuhayr Al-Qahtani and Algeria’s Mehdi Zatout who will compete in ONE’s first boxing match since 2017.
The waiting is now over, ONE Championship makes its Qatar debut tomorrow with a card packed full of mouthwatering fights. Three title fights, MENA fighters looking to build their legacies, and bouts with consequences at the top-end of divisions across the card – this is one not to be missed.
ONE Championship returns to the Middle East on March 1 with ONE 166: Qatar at the Lusail Sports Arena, Lusail. A historic night awaits with no less than three title fights. Fans in the Middle East can watch live from 3.30pm AST on BeIN Sports 

from Sport360 – Latest Sports News https://sport360.com/article/boxing-mma/one-championship-mma/348894/one-166-qatar-card-made-official-as-key-fighters-pass-hydration-and-make-weight