This Friday, July 5th, the world's largest mixed martial arts organization will return to the historic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand for a US primetime show packed with elite fighters and intriguing matchups.
Led by an unmissable Interim MMA World Title bout, Prime Video's ONE Fight Night 23: Ok vs. Rasulov promises to be full of nail-biting action from the opening bout to the main event.
Before the action begins, we break down the top five reasons why fans will want to tune in to this massive event.
Crowning the Interim Lightweight MMA King
In the main event, former champion Ok Leyun will face undefeated Turkish sensation Abileg Rasoulov for the ONE Interim Lightweight MMA World Title.
Aside from the 26-pound gold medal at stake, the bout is sure to provide some stylistic fireworks.
The South Korean veteran is a versatile mixed martial artist, but he also has a penchant for using a venomous striking attack.
And with unforgettable wins over former featherweight MMA champion Marat Gafurov, American superstar Eddie Alvarez and current ONE Lightweight MMA World Champion Christian Lee, Oku has solidified his status as one of the best lightweight boxers on the planet.
But he now finds himself facing the fight of his life against wrestling and grappling powerhouse Rasoulov. The 31-year-old promotional newcomer boasts a stellar 14-0 professional record and appears to have the skill and incredible athleticism to defeat the former world champion.
Two submission grappling stars collide
Prior to the main event, two of the most talented young prodigies in submission grappling history will collide in a 186-pound catchweight competition that will be sure to grab the attention of the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world.
The current ONE Welterweight Submission Grappling World Champion, Tai Ruotolo, is always looking for a big challenge, and he’ll get just that by taking on 19-year-old phenom Joseph Cheng.
Undefeated in ONE and widely regarded as a pound-for-pound powerhouse, Ruotolo will put his explosive and creative submission-hunting prowess to the test against the master technician Chen.
Fans can look forward to some beautiful grappling exchanges as the bout continues, with Chen and his modern, well-rounded approach providing what may be the toughest test of Ruotolo’s tenure in ONE.
Top 5 Bantamweight Muay Thai Fighters Clash
In the bantamweight Muay Thai division, No. 1-ranked contender Nico “King of the North” Carillo will be looking to maintain his unbeaten record in ONE when he takes on fan-favorite Saemapetch Fairtex, who is ranked No. 4.
This highly anticipated bout holds real significance for the talent-packed bantamweight Muay Thai division, as current titleholder Jonathan Haggerty will fight for the belt against Superlek Kiatmoo9 at ONE 168: Denver in September, with the winner potentially earning the right to claim the next gold medal.
The Scottish fighter has had a remarkable rise in ONE, racking up three knockout wins over elite opponents and rising to the top of the division’s rankings.
But the hard-hitting Saemapetch is hungry to put an end to his opponent's reign of terror. The Thai veteran has no idea how to compete in a boring bout and will no doubt face Carillo in the center of the ring, trading blows until one of them falls.
“The Chef” is cooking again
Lower down the card, American sensation Luke “The Chef” Lessay will face French striker Banpara Kouyate in a featherweight Muay Thai bout.
After just two thrilling bouts in ONE, the Iowa native has risen to the number 5 ranking in the featherweight Muay Thai division and established himself as one of the sport’s most innovative and entertaining athletes.
“The Chef” will undoubtedly be looking for his first knockout in ONE Championship, but Kouyate will not be an easy defeat. The tall and lanky 29-year-old WMC Muay Thai European Champion and French National Muay Thai Champion will bring his own unique style to the challenge against Lessay in this must-see showdown.
Muay Thai stars make primetime US debut
Additionally, some of Muay Thai's most exciting talents will be making their primetime US debut after gaining experience on ONE Friday Fights.
First up, Russian fighter Alexei Baliko will be hoping to impress Irish standout Stefan Kolody in an action-packed bantamweight bout.
Next up, Thai-Malaysian phenom Arif Sor Decchaphan, who has an impressive 4-1 record in ONE Friday Fights, will try his hand at a highly entertaining bout against 24-year-old British fighter Ellis “El Jefe” Badr Barboza.
Finally, at flyweight, Thailand's Black Panther will be looking to make his US primetime debut against Russian star Ali Sardoev, looking to make it three straight wins.
An elite technician, Black Panther is still searching for his first knockout in ONE and will no doubt be eager to achieve it in front of a rapt Bangkok crowd at ONE Fight Night 23.
