WATCH: Algerian teenage superstar eyes second win at ONE Friday Fights 47

Algerian teenage sensation Elyes Kacem is looking to make it back-to-back wins at the start of his ONE Championship career this week.
The 17-year-old is coming in hot on the back of a KO win on his debut in October, and now faces a catchweight Muay Thai bout against Thailand’s Apiwat Sor Somnuk.
The contest will take place at 130lbs, with the experienced Apiwat ready to give Kacem his toughest test to date.  
Ahead of the contest you can check out Kacem’s blistering debut win here:

ONE Friday Fights 47 comes live from the famous Lumpinee Boxing Stadium, Bangkok on Friday January 12. Fight fans in the MENA region can watch on BeINSPORTS from 3.30pm MECCA. For more see ONE Championship’s official YouTube channel and on watch.onefc.com

from Sport360 – Latest Sports News https://sport360.com/article/boxing-mma/one-championship-mma/348832/watch-algerian-teenage-superstar-eyes-second-win-at-one-friday-fights-47

WATCH: Five impressive Arab wins in ONE Championship in 2023

2023 will be remembered as a standout year for several MENA fighters as they looked to establish themselves in the upper echelons of the world’s biggest martial arts organisation – ONE Championship.
Several Arab fighters have captured memorable wins and produced solid performances against some of the best fighters the organisation has to offer. 
Here are some of the Arab talents’ most impressive victories in ONE Championship last year.   
Akram Hamidi 
Algeria’s rising Muay Thai star Akram Hamidi made waves on his ONE debut, beating Jomhod Auto MuayThai at ONE Friday Fights 22. 
The three-time ISKA Kickboxing World Champion was in complete control before finishing the Thai veteran via knockout 36 seconds into the second round.  

Abdallah Ondash
Muay Thai star Abdallah Ondash has managed two wins from two inside the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium against Thai opponents, Parnpet Sor Jor Lekmuangnon and Palangboon Wor Santai. 
While his second split decision win against Palangboon was impressive, it was his debut victory that stands out. The 24-year-old Lebanese fighter produced a heroic comeback which culminated in a knockout punch just one second before the end of the third and final round.   

Nabil Anane 
In his second ONE Championship fight, Algeria’s Nabil Anane put aside his disappointing debut loss against ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion Superlek Kiatmoo9 and delivered an impressive performance against Nakrob Fairtex. 
The 19-year-old, who is a two-division WBC Muay Thai World Champion, secured a second-round knockout victory against his Thai counterpart, ending the latter’s four-win-streak. 

Shakir Al Tekreeti 
On October 7, Shakir Al Tekreeti became the first Iraqi to capture a win at ONE Championship’s monthly fight series, ONE Fight Nights. 
Inside the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium, the 26-year-old Iraqi scored a memorable victory against France’s Bampara Kouyate via unanimous decision. 

Elyes Kacem 
The youngest star on this list, Algeria’s Elyes Kacem picked up a second-round knockout win against Thailand’s Chai Sor Sor ToiPadriew. A precise left kick to the head finished the Thai, gaining the young Algerian star the crowd’s standing ovation at the famous Lumpinee Boxing Stadium. 

 

from Sport360 – Latest Sports News https://sport360.com/article/boxing-mma/one-championship-mma/348831/watch-five-impressive-arab-wins-in-one-championship-in-2023

Shakir Al-Tekreeti plots brother’s revenge at ONE Fight Night 18

One of the Middle East’s best Muay Thai prospects will return to the ONE Championship ring next week as he looks to avenge his brother.
Iraq’s Shakir Al-Tekreeti impressed in scoring a unanimous decision win over French standout Bampara Kouyate in October, and is now looking to further enhance his lightweight division credentials.
With a dream of one day becoming the ONE Muay Thai lightweight champion, the 27-year-old will face something of a revenge mission when he enters the ring at the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium, Bangkok next weekend.
His opponent Rungrawee defeated Shaikir’s brother Mustafa Al Tekreeti on debut in February last year, before going on to build a three-fight win streak. This was derailed last time out when he was knocked out by Russia’s Dmitry Menshikov.
Respected and renowned worldwide Rungrawee is known as a vicious striker and will be keen to get back in the win column against Al-Tekreeti in a bout that will have serious implications at the top end of the division.
ONE Fight Night 16 comes live from the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium, Thailand on Saturday January 13. Fight fans in the MENA region can watch action BeINSPORTS from 3.00am MECCA, or on watch.onefc.com
ONE Championship returns to the Middle East on March 1 with ONE 166: Qatar at the Lusail Stadium, Doha. A historic night awaits with no less than five title fights planned, and tickets are now available from Virgin Megastore and Q-Tickets.

from Sport360 – Latest Sports News https://sport360.com/article/boxing-mma/one-championship-mma/348830/shakir-al-tekreeti-plots-brothers-revenge-at-one-fight-night-18

ONE 166: Qatar handed explosive main event as Anatoly Malykhin chases history

ONE 166: Qatar has been handed an explosive main event – with Anatoly Malykhin seeking history as he looks to become a three-weight MMA world champion.
To do so, he will renew an old rivalry with Reinier de Ridder with the ONE middleweight world title on the line – a win would add that gold to Malykhin’s current light-heavyweight and heavyweight crowns.
Being a three-weight world champion is an almost unthinkable feat, and the stakes will be high for both men.
De Ridder will be keen for lightning not to strike twice, as it was Malykhin who relived him of his light-heavyweight title when the pair met in December last year – a loss that was also the Dutchman’s first as a professional.
Now on Friday, March 1, the Russian superstar will move down a weight class again and attempt to become the first three-division MMA World Champion at Lusail Sports Arena in Qatar.
In their previous bout, unlike anyone before him, Malykhin brilliantly defended takedowns from the long-limbed grappler and utilised his heavy boxing repertoire to knock out the Dutchman in the first round.
Now, all roads lead to the main event of ONE 166: Qatar, and each man has everything to fight for.
De Ridder has a chance to even the score, hand Malykhin his first professional loss, and prove he is the best middleweight mixed martial artist on the planet.
But for Malykhin, history is calling. If he defeats the Dutchman one more time, “Sladkiy” would become the first three-division World Champion in MMA.

from Sport360 – Latest Sports News https://sport360.com/article/boxing-mma/one-championship-mma/348827/one-166-qatar-handed-explosive-main-event-as-anatoly-malykhin-chases-history

ONE Friday Fights 46: Anane impresses on otherwise tough night for MENA athletes

Algeria’s Nabil Anane made it back-to-back wins in ONE Championship with an impressive victory at ONE Friday Fights 46 – on an otherwise disappointing night for MENA fighters.
Anane enjoyed a significant reach advantage over Muangthai and used this well early one delivering significant damage to the face of his Thai opponent with accurate lefts and rights.
His composure was impressive throughout, even when Muangthai tried to apply pressure a mix of accurate elbows and knees always kept him at bay. After nine minutes of action it was sound defence and accurate striking that handed Anane a unanimous decision win.

Elsewhere at the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, there were high hopes for MENA fighters in two title fights but neither were able to leave with gold. 
Moroccan Italian Jospeh Lasiri started the night as strawweight Muay Thai champion, but was unable to get the better of the man who he beat for the title – Prajanchai. The rematch was a very different affair from their first encounter as the Thai superstar landed a vicious left hand after just 88 seconds of the opening round to end Lasiri’s night, and title reign, early.
There was disappointment too for Algeria’s Anissa Meksen. She was unable to claim the ONE interim atomweight Kickboxing crown, after a five-round masterclass from 21-year-old Phetjeeja. Meksen brought the fight but her younger opponent had too much for her, and will now eye a unification bout with champion Janet Todd.
Fariyar Aminipour lost his unbeaten record in ONE after suffering a first-round KO at the hands of Kulabdam. The Iranian came to fight and was the aggressor for large parts of the round. It was while on the front foot that Aminipour was dropped with a counter shot, but he recovered his composure well and looked to land heavily on his Thai opponent, that was until a devastating left hook to the body ended the contest with seconds remaining in the opening stanza.    
In the night’s main event, Tawanchai showed his class and elite striking ability to get the better of Superbon to retain his featherweight Muay Thai title. 

from Sport360 – Latest Sports News https://sport360.com/article/boxing-mma/one-championship-mma/348825/one-friday-fights-46-anane-impresses-on-otherwise-tough-night-for-mena-athletes

Four MENA superstars to look out for at blockbuster ONE Friday Fights 46

ONE Championship is finishing 2023 in the most spectacular style, with an incredible line-up for ONE Friday Fights 46 tomorrow night.
Headlined by the mouth-watering flyweight Muay Thai world title fight between Tawanchai and Superbon, there is also no shortage of high class MENA athlete interest.
Here is who you should be looking out for on what could be the card of the year.
Joseph Lasiri puts his title on the line 
Moroccan-Italian Lasiri puts his strawweight Muay Thai title on the line Prajanchai – the man he took the title from in May last year. 
Lasiri is a master striker, with stunning punches and knees, but will face a rejuvenated Prajanchai who is coming off a three fight win-streak and currently holds the division’s interim title.
This fight will give us an undisputed champion, and given what we know from their first encounter could well be one for the ages.
Meksen seeks interim title
Another MENA fighter with gold on their mind this week is Algeria’s Anissa Meksen. 
One of the world’s most feared strikers, she will look to claim the interim atomweight kickboxing crown when she takes on Thailand’s Phetjeeja.
Meksen has built a reputation around a long list of accomplishments including multiple world titles, and is undefeated in her three ONE outings. 
Meksen may be 14 years older than her opponent, but that will not faze Phaeteeja who is 4-0 in her ONE career with a huge future ahead of her at just 21-years-old.
Whoever wins this one, will immediately have an eye on unifying the division against current champ Janet Todd.
Anane looks to continue building 
Algeria’s Nabil Anane was given a baptism of fire when joining ONE, with a debut encounter with Muay Thai royalty Superlek. Despite that tough start he was able to bounce back and score a brilliant first-round knockout win over Nakrob Fairtex in September.
Recognised as a truly elite Muay Thai practitioner, the 19-year-old will now look to build on that confidence when he takes on Muangthai.
Aminipour want to remain on unbeaten streak
Iran’s Fariyar Aminipour is 4-0 in ONE’s bantamweight Muay Thai division and at just 23 is one of the region’s standout prospects for the future.
Kulabdam Sor Jor Piek Uthai may well provide his stiffest challenge to date. A two-time Two-time Lumpinee Stadium Muay Thai World Champion, he has five fives under his belt in ONE since June and has not lost in his last three.
ONE Friday Fights 46: Tawanchai vs. Superbon comes live from the famous Lumpinee Boxing Stadium, Bangkok on Friday December 22. Fight fans in the MENA region can watch on BeINSPORTS from 3.30pm MECCA. For more see ONE Championship’s official YouTube channel and on watch.onefc.com

from Sport360 – Latest Sports News https://sport360.com/article/boxing-mma/one-championship-mma/348823/four-mena-superstars-to-look-out-for-at-blockbuster-one-friday-fights-46

Yemeni grappler Osamah Almarwai confirmed for ONE 166: Qatar

Yemeni-Saudi Arabian grappler Osamah Almarwai will be one of the star attractions at the history-making ONE 166: Qatar.
The 31-year-old will take on Brazil’s Cleber Sousa in a flyweight submission grappling bout, as both men look to earn a shot at current divisional king Mikey Musumeci.
This will be the second ONE Championship outing for both fighters, with Almarwai and Sousa losing to Musumeci on their respective debuts.
To say this is a battle of the elite could be seen as something of an understatement.
Almarwai was the  2022 IBJJF No-Gi World Champion, the first-ever Middle Eastern competitor to achieve that feat in the black belt ranks, making him the region’s most prominent and beloved submission grappler. Look out for his vice-like headlocks, and terrifying ankle attacks.
The man from Brazil has pretty impressive credentials too. With an IBJJF Pan-American Championship and a Brazilian National Championship to his name, Sousa brings a wealth of experience and impressive accomplishments each time he steps on the mats – including going the distance with Musumeci.
Elsewhere, ONE Championship’s debut in Qatar will see former ONE Heavyweight MMA World Champion Arjan “Singh” Bhullar return to face fellow contender Amir Aliakbari in a high-stakes battle at Lusail Sports Arena, while Jarred Brooks will take on Joshua Pacio for the strawweight MMA title. These will be just two of five planned title fights for what is already promising to be a spectacular show on the promotion’s return to the region.
 

from Sport360 – Latest Sports News https://sport360.com/article/boxing-mma/one-championship-mma/348821/yemeni-grappler-osamah-almarwai-confirmed-for-one-166-qatar

AD Gaming’s Blast Premier World Finals: A fusion of passion, competition and unforgettable moments

An unmissable event is on offer this weekend at Etihad Arena for AD Gaming’s Blast Premier World Finals.
The Blast Premier World Finals, scheduled to commence at 12:00 on Saturday, features two semi-finals leading up to the grand final on Sunday at 18:00. Notably this year, the arena transforms into a gaming festival with competitions for various games, including Valorant, Street Fighter and Call of Duty.
Attendees can enjoy a range of activities, from a retro arcade to VR machines, and the opportunity to meet the teams.
This tier-one event serves as the pinnacle of the Blast Premier, featuring the best teams in Counter-Strike. They are the elite of the elite, determined through points accumulated and wins throughout the year, competing for a million-dollar prize pool.
James Hartt from AD Gaming, the visionary behind Abu Dhabi’s gaming and esports initiative, gave an insight into the selection of Etihad Arena for the Blast Premier World Finals and the evolution of the global gaming event.
He said: “There is nowhere better. The atmosphere generated during last year’s Finals was incredible.
“The stunning venue offers an unmatched experience, making it the perfect choice for the second-consecutive year.”
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More exciting plans have been formulated for Abu Dhabi, with a full calendar of gaming tournaments throughout the year. Major events, including those at MEFCC Comic-Con in Abu Dhabi, will feature expanded gaming stages with diverse tournaments in collaboration with different partners.
Counter-Strike’s popularity continues to grow, and an ongoing demand for tournaments is expected. AD Gaming remains committed to bringing the very best to Abu Dhabi, catering to this burgeoning fan base.
Apex, a seasoned CS:GO2 pro player, provided a deeper understanding of the motivations and experiences that drive professional gamers.
He said: “I’ve experienced a 17-year journey in CS, with a love for both the game and competition. The competitions were smaller in the early days and gradually, through dedication, I’ve found myself competing at a higher level
“The pinnacle of my career was winning the last CS major in Paris, this year. As a French player, it was an unforgettable experience to secure victory in front of family, friends, and fans. The moment remains etched in my memory as the best of my life.
On his third visit to Abu Dhabi, Apex praised the warm welcome and the favorable December weather.
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He said: “As a European, escaping the cold for temperatures between 25 and 30 degrees is a delight. I express my gratitude for the chance to connect with fans and look forward to playing in front of the Abu Dhabi crowd.”
Apex then discussed the challenge of balancing a career and personal life.
He said: “It is important to finding the right balance between personal and gaming life, particularly as I’m approaching the age of 31. Knowing oneself and understanding when to play more or less are key aspects of maintaining a successful gaming career while cherishing personal relationships.”
As AD Gaming continues to champion the growth of esports in Abu Dhabi, the Blast Premier World Finals stands as a testament to the city’s commitment to becoming a global gaming hub.
Join the excitement and witness the evolution of esports at Etihad Arena this weekend.

from Sport360 – Latest Sports News https://sport360.com/article/regional-article/348818/ad-gamings-blast-premier-world-finals-a-fusion-of-passion-competition-and-unforgettable-moments

WATCH: Algerian picks up STUNNING win on ONE Championship debut

Algeria’s Mohamed Younes Rabah has laid a huge marker down after a spectacular ONE Championship debut.
The bantamweight Muay Thai ace KO’d his much-fancied, and far more experienced opponent Saemapetch Fairtex in a chaotic opening round at ONE Fight Night 17: Kryklia vs Roberts.
Saemapetch had gone into the bout ranked third in the division, with his eyes on a run for a title shot, but Rabah had other plans on his first outing with the organisation.
The pair were happy to trade blows from the outset, but a knee followed by a flurry of lefts and rights dropped Saemapetch and handed Rabah a massive win with 30 seconds of the opener remaining.
The win takes Rabah to 14-0 as a professional and put the bantamweight division very much on notice.
Watch the finish here:

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from Sport360 – Latest Sports News https://sport360.com/article/boxing-mma/one-championship-mma/348816/watch-algerian-picks-up-stunning-win-on-one-championship-debut

ONE Championship returns to the Middle East in March 2024

ONE Championship, the world’s largest martial arts organisation today announced it will make its on-ground debut in Qatar on March 1 at the Lusail Sports Arena with ONE 166: Qatar.
The event will feature five ONE World Championship fights across MMA, Muay Thai, kickboxing, and submission grappling. Additional event details and headline bouts will also be announced in the coming weeks.
Fans interested in purchasing early bird tickets can do so now via the Virgin Megastore or Q-Tickets.
Chatri Sityodtong, Chairman and CEO of ONE Championship, stated: “I’m thrilled to announce ONE Championship’s return to the Middle East with one of our biggest events ever. We’re building a spectacular card that is stacked from top to bottom, which will feature World Championship fights across all of our martial arts disciplines. We can’t wait to put on a show for the greatest fans on earth and would like to thank Qatar Tourism, Media City Qatar, and Ooredoo for teaming with us to make history.”
Eng. Abdulaziz Ali Al Mawlawi, Chief Marketing and Promotion Officer at Qatar Tourism, said: “Qatar Tourism is delighted to be the Official Event Host, Presenting Partner, and VIP Lounge Sponsor of what will be the biggest ONE Championship event the region has ever seen. This exciting addition to Qatar’s world-class roster of events reinforces our commitment to bringing exceptional experiences that resonate with local and global audiences. As we strategically position ourselves as a hub for diverse and dynamic experiences, the partnership with ONE Championship showcases our dedication to hosting world-class sports and entertainment year-round for residents and visitors to enjoy.”
Sheikh Ali bin Abulla Al Thani, Chief Executive Officer at Media City Qatar, stated: “MCQ is privileged to stand alongside our esteemed partners at ONE Championship and Qatar Tourism in hosting ONE 166: Qatar in Doha. As an official media partner, we recognize the historic significance of this event, and we are committed to sharing compelling stories of the world’s most recognized athletes with a global audience, further solidifying Qatar’s position as a regional home for diverse and dynamic experiences in sports and entertainment while contributing to the evolution of the media landscape in Qatar and beyond.”
ONE 166: Qatar will be broadcast in the Middle East region on beIN Sports on March 1 starting at 3:30pm AST. Additional tune-in details for the global broadcast, which can be viewed in over 190 countries worldwide, will be made available at a later date.

from Sport360 – Latest Sports News https://sport360.com/article/boxing-mma/one-championship-mma/348814/one-championship-returns-to-the-middle-east-in-march-2024