The globe's biggest martial arts group is set to make its comeback on U.S. prime-time television with an exciting event this coming Friday, April 4.
ONE Fight Night 30: Kryklia vs. Knowles on Prime Video was created with entertainment as the main focus, starting from the captivating bouts that make up the preliminary fights right through to the big World Title matches that headline the event.
The iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, will be the setting for this event—an apt location for a spectacle that promises to be thrilling.
Before the excitement begins, let’s delve into why fans will not want to miss even a moment of ONE Fight Night 30.
#1 Two Global Championship Battles
( Update April 4: Regian Eersel has had his ONE Lightweight Kickboxing World Title revoked for failing to meet the weight requirement while dehydrated. As a result, only Alexis Nicolas is qualified to claim the World Title at ONE Fight Night 30.
Two ONE World Championships will be up for grabs in the last two fights of the event, showcasing some of the world's most skilled pound-for-pound kickboxers.
First, two-sport kingpin Regian “The Immortal” Eersel will defend his ONE Lightweight Kickboxing World Championship belt against a previous champion Alexis “Barboza” Nicolas In a three-part battle that fans have eagerly anticipated.
Exactly one year back, Nicolas stunned everyone by using his deadly boxing technique and debilitating leg kicks to win decisively against Eersel through a unanimous verdict. By doing so, he captured the lightweight kickboxing title and handed Suriname’s sensation his first defeat after over eight years without losing.
Half a year later, "The Immortal" secured his redemption and got his title back in a thrilling, seesaw battle against the French opponent. Additionally, he handed Nicolas his first and only loss throughout his career.
These two will finally resolve their dispute completely, and based on how their initial encounters went, this decisive showdown ought to be filled with excitement from beginning to end.
In the featured match, the two-sport, two-division champion Roman Kryklia will protect his ONE Heavyweight Muay Thai World Championship against accomplished British puncher Lyndon Knowles .
The imposing Ukrainian fighter has beennothing less than remarkable in his first six bouts with ONE Championship. Using his precise boxing skills and knockout ability, he has established himself as the most fearsome competitor on Earth.
"Knowlesy," however, could be the contender to dethrone Kryklia. At 38 years old, Knowlesy is a three-time WBC Muay Thai World Champion and an exceptionally versatile striker with over two decades of honed skills in his discipline.
Thanks to his strong power and formidable grappling skills, Knowles possesses the capability to secure Kryklia's inaugural defeat since 2018 and depart from Bangkok with an impressive haul of 26 pounds worth of championship gold.
#2 Nico Carrillo Begins His Journey in Featherweight Muay Thai
Lower on the card, "North King" Nico Carrillo He will return with his remarkable skills and entertaining fighting style to the featherweight Muay Thai division. At ONE Fight Night 30, he'll face off against the #4 ranked contender in the division. Sitthichai “Killer Kid” Sitsongpeenong .
Carrillo propelled himself swiftly up the ranks of the bantamweight Muai Thai division with his ruthless finishing skills, securing four consecutive knockouts to claim his opportunity for interim gold earlier this year.
Even though he would face defeat against the Thai-Algerian prodigy Nabil Anane , the Scottish fighter is now prepared to make waves in the lightweight Muay Thai category — and he’s jumping right into the thick of things.
Even though he's merely 33 years old, Sitthichai has achieved remarkable success in both kickboxing and Muay Thai. He stands out as the sole individual who has defeated the current ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion. Tawanchai PK Saenchai in ONE under the Worldwide Muay Thai Regulation Framework .
"Killer Kid" is clearly driven to protect his position within the top five and is aiming to secure a rematch against his fellow countryman for the prestigious title.
#3 Fabricio Andrey Debuts Globally
ONE Championship is steadily adding some of the world's most thrilling submission specialists to their lineup, with the newest addition being an acrobatic submission artist. Fabricio “Hokage” Andrey .
The Brazilian is poised to face the highly skilled Welsh opponent. Ashley Williams In a lightweight submission grappling match that spectators will be eager not to miss.
A globally recognized IBJJF World Champion celebrated for his extraordinary physical prowess, impressive throw techniques, and spectacular grappling skills, Andrey embodies what it means to be a showman. Without question, his comprehensive abilities position him well to achieve the status of a ONE World Champion.
Williams, however, is not someone who gives up easily. At 32 years old, he has consistently been recognized as the leading male BJJ black belt in the United Kingdom. His tenacious and fast-paced grappling approach promises to bring thrilling action when facing "Hokage."
#4 Sanzhar Zakirov Aims to Stay Unbeaten
Undefeated Uzbek prodigy Sanzhar “Tornado” Zakirov Has all the potential to become an international MMA sensation. He aims to maintain his current form and further advance towards capturing the ONE Championship title as he prepares for his upcoming fight. Bokang “Little Giant” Masunyane in an atom-weight MMA bout.
At only 21 years of age, Zakirov has accumulated an outstanding 13-0 professional record. This includes five exciting victories within ONE, with three fights ending in stops. His performances have secured him the number five position in the strawweight MMA rankings.
"Tornado's" exceptional agility and comprehensive skillset have distinguished him as one of the most notable emerging talents in recent times. Defeating a formidable wrestler such as Masunyane would eliminate all doubts about his status as one of the top mixed martial artists globally.
Certainly, "Little Giant" remains a tough challenge to crack. Boasting powerful takedowns and inexhaustible stamina, he will surely provide the upcoming star with quite the test.
#5 A Display of Muay Thai
In conclusion, enthusiasts of "the art of eight limbs" have much to look forward to at ONE Fight Night 30, since roughly half of the event features boxing-style Muay Thai matches.
Along with the two aforementioned high-stakes Muay Thai fights, the event will also see the comeback of the popular Thai fighter. Seksan "The Unyielding Champion" or Kwanmuang , who takes on Asa "The American Ninja" Ten Pow In a 142-pound clash that’s bound to deliver heart-stopping excitement.
Also, surging British star George “G-Unit” Jarvis hopes to make waves in his U.S. primetime debut and extend his winning streak to four when he squares off against fearless Spanish-Moroccan striker Mouhcine Chafi in a lightweight showdown.
And in strawweight competition, the Thai fan favorite Thongpoon PK Saenchai plans to seek some payback against the new promotion-bound rival Elmehdi "The Marksman" El Jamari — the sibling of the initial person to triumph over him in ONE Zakaria El Jamari .
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