5 Reasons To Watch ONE Friday Fights 116 on July 18

The legendary Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok will echo with the roar of combat when the world’s most exciting martial artists take the stage at ONE Friday Fights 116.

Those watching live in Asia primetime will bear witness to an absolutely stacked card, featuring riveting battles designed to keep fans on the edge of their seats.

Twelve compelling matchups across Muay Thai, MMA, and kickboxing go down this Friday, July 18. Before these world-class athletes showcase their skills on the global stage, we look at five reasons why ONE Friday Fights 116 is a must-watch spectacle.

#1 An Epic Muay Thai Rematch In The Main Event

17-year-old Malaysian-Thai star Adam Sor Dechapan and 16-year-old French phenom “Petsam” Nahyan Mohammed collide once more in a highly anticipated rematch that promises to be a repeat of their explosive 112-pound Muay Thai barnburner a couple of months ago.

The pair first locked horns at ONE Friday Fights 107 this past May, and it was pure entertainment from start to finish. Aliff Sor Dechapan‘s younger brother sent fans into a frenzy in his debut with a series of spinning elbows, flying knees, and effective boxing.

Though “Petsam” shot back with devastating combinations in the second round to make things interesting going into the final frame, Adam’s grit ultimately proved decisive as he fended off the 16-year-old’s weapons to earn the split decision victory.

Mohammed is now seeking vengeance against his budding rival and he is fired up to display his ferocious knockout power. But he will have to do so in front of thousands of raucous Thai fans rooting for their countryman.

For Adam, this will be his chance to secure a more decisive win, as he aims for a coveted six-figure contract and a spot on ONE’s elite global roster.

#2 A Pivotal Battle That Could Shake Up The Bantamweight Kickboxing Rankings

Former ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion and #3-ranked contender Petchtanong Petchfergus will take on K-1 Champion Yuki Yoza in a high-stakes duel that undoubtedly has massive implications for the division’s hierarchy.

The Thai icon is determined to work his way back into the World Title conversation with a victory over a worthy foe. Meanwhile, Yoza is looking to impress in his sophomore outing to move a step closer to 26 pounds of gold.

Both fighters possess the technical skills and knockout power to end this fight in spectacular fashion at any given moment, making this a can’t-miss affair.

Petchtanong returns to action in search of his fourth straight win, while Yoza seeks to build on his impressive debut outing against Elbrus “The Samurai” Osmanov at ONE Friday Fights 109 this past May.

This clash represents a crossroads moment for the two veterans who are seeking World Championship glory, with the winner likely positioning themselves as a legitimate contender to reigning kingpin Jonathan “The General” Haggerty.

Expect fireworks when these two world-class strikers collide in what could be the fight of the night.

#3 Ayaka Miura Continues Her Run Toward Atomweight MMA Gold

Second-ranked atomweight MMA contender Ayaka “Zombie” Miura faces promotional newcomer Juliana “La Patrona” Otalora in another pivotal contest that could strengthen the Japanese star’s claim to a shot at the World Title.

Miura has been on an absolute tear with an impressive four-fight winning streak that includes three victories by submission. Her relentless ground game and technical prowess have made her one of the division’s most feared competitors.

A victory over Otalora could bring “Zombie” closer to a showdown with newly crowned ONE Women’s Atomweight MMA World Champion Denice “The Menace” Zamboanga.

Miura’s trademark submission dubbed the “Ayaka Lock” – a modified scarf-hold Americana – has become one of the most devastating weapons in MMA, and fans will be watching closely to see if she can add another name to her growing list of victims.

#4 The Hotly Anticipated Debut Of An 18-year-old Phenom

Rising star Pamor-E-Daeng Chor Chokamnuaychai makes his promotional debut against fellow Thai phenom Yodkitti FiatPathum in a guaranteed firefight at 122 pounds.

The 18-year-old debutant has built a solid resume competing across the biggest stadium circuits in Thailand. He arrives at ONE Friday Fights with an impressive 45-15 win-loss slate acquired by beating some of the best young fighters in the country.

Pamor-E-Daeng hopes to continue showcasing experience beyond his years against Yodkitti, who has been in fine form across three appearances on ONE’s weekly offering inside the “Madison Square Garden of the East.”

Yodkitti’s victories over Luapong Kaewsamrit and Got Taipetburi both came inside the first round, and he wants nothing more than another quick and thrilling finish this Friday night.

#5 Warriors Eying A Life-Changing Six-Figure Contract

ONE Championship’s electric ONE Friday Fights events have allowed several young stars to earn career-defining opportunities.

The likes of reigning ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Nabil Anane, #5-ranked flyweight Muay Thai contender Jaosuayai Mor Krungthepthonburi, and #4-ranked featherweight Muay Thai warrior Nico “King of the North” Carrillo earned themselves a life-changing US$100,000 contract and a spot to battle with the best of the best on ONE’s main roster.

It will be no different at ONE Friday Fights 116.

Belarussian-French knockout machine Antar Kacem could be on the brink of a six-figure deal if he secures a fourth consecutive win in his 142-pound co-main event tiff against Panrit Lukjaomaesaiwaree.

A similar opportunity awaits Avazbek “Ninzya” Kholmirzaev should he stage an upset by defeating Japanese veteran Tatsumitsu “The Sweeper” Wada in their strawweight MMA contest. The 24-year-old Uzbekistani talent is on a three-fight winning streak.

Meanwhile, South Korea’s Lee “The Flash” Seung Chul aims to bag his third highlight-reel finish from as many appearances and stay perfect at ONE Friday Fights. Standing in his way of a possible contract will be #5-ranked strawweight MMA contender Hiroba Minowa.

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