Jonathan Di Bella, a maestro in the ONE strawweight kickboxing world champion circle, doesn’t merely fight for the pride of his Italian and Canadian roots. Beyond the tapestry of personal and cultural honor, he steps into the arena with a deeper mission – catapulting kickboxing into the limelight on a global spectrum, especially across the Western Hemisphere.

Di Bella’s New York Crucible: Forging a Western Hemisphere Kickboxing Legacy

Fighting out of the bustling heart of New York City, Di Bella doesn’t merely throw punches and execute kicks; he endeavors to etch kickboxing into the sporting consciousness of a potentially massive yet still largely untapped Western market. Despite the sport’s electrifying aura, its spark has yet to truly catch in this hemisphere. Di Bella, however, might just be the catalyst needed for this ignition.

Riveting Beginnings: Di Bella’s Electric ONE Championship Debut

The 27-year-old prodigy has already garnered appreciative gazes and roars from the crowd, particularly with his debut in the ONE Championship against Zhang Peimian. Jonathan Di Bella doesn’t just fight; he crafts an engaging spectacle, as was lucidly witnessed in a duel that was more than worthy of a “fight-of-the-year” nomination.

High Stakes in Bangkok: Di Bella Defends Title in Eagerly Awaited Match-Up

Come ONE Fight Night 15, the world will bear witness to Di Bella defending his title for the first time, locking horns with Danial Williams on October 6, within the storied confines of Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. It’s not merely about personal accolades or title defenses; it’s about continually elevating the sport and his profile, symbiotically elevating each other in a grand spectacle.

A Partnership for Progress: ONE Championship and Amazon Prime Video Amplify Reach

In a heartfelt interaction with Karyn Bryant, Di Bella underscored ONE Championship’s burgeoning presence in the United States, thanks to a pivotal partnership with Amazon Prime Video. This coalition does not only magnify Di Bella’s platform but also knits kickboxing tighter into the American and global sports narrative. “I hope that I’ll be fighting more on Prime…” he shared, expressing optimism that this would augment North American exposure and appreciation for kickboxing.

Lighting the Fuse for North American Kickboxing Explosion

The champ candidly believes that his impending battle against Danial Williams could serve as a crucial ignition point for kickboxing in the West. The clash is not merely an athletic contest but a potential cornerstone moment that could propel kickboxing into unprecedented popularity in North America and potentially globally. His message to fans is potent and clear: “…it will shock all MMA fans and all the martial arts fans around the world especially in North America.”

Di Bella isn’t merely a champion; he’s an ambassador, leveraging every punch, kick, and spotlight moment to elevate kickboxing on a global stage, particularly in the pulsating sports market of the Western Hemisphere. His battles are not only against his in-ring adversaries but against the cultural and market forces that have yet to fully embrace kickboxing. And in this dual battlefield, every fight is a statement, every win a step forward in his lofty mission.

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ONE flyweight Muay Thai world champion, Rodtang, is a name that resonates with dominance in the martial arts world. Boasting a remarkable record of 14 wins against a single defeat in the world’s premier martial arts organization, his only blemish came at the hands of Demetrious Johnson in a unique mixed-rules super-fight. However, in the realms of Muay Thai and kickboxing, ‘The Iron Man’s’ record remains unblemished, sealing his status not only as the reigning flyweight division monarch but also as a crowd magnet.

Fans are drawn to Rodtang’s exceptional fighting style characterized by his unyielding aggression, persistent pressure, and exquisite technical prowess. Even though he has recorded only two knockouts amidst his victories – largely decisions – his raw power often becomes a subject of debate among the fans. A recent video posted by ONE Championship put these doubts to rest, reminding everyone of the Thai superstar’s might.

2. The Rodtang-Smith Showdown: A Reminder of Raw Power

The video, a glimpse from Rodtang’s clash with Jacob Smith during their Flyweight Muay Thai World Grand Prix Quarter Final at ONE 157 in May 2022, reverberated with fans worldwide. The deafening sound of Rodtang’s strikes landing on Smith with surgical precision garnered massive admiration from fans, evident from the outpouring of affection in the comments section.

3. Upcoming Mega Fight: Rodtang vs. Superlek

As the combat sports world buzzes with excitement, Rodtang is gearing up for arguably the most crucial battle of his illustrious career. The Jitmunagon Gym prodigy is set to defend his ONE flyweight Muay Thai world title against top contender Superlek Kiatmoo9. This main event, slated for September 22 at ONE Friday Fights 32, will be hosted in the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium. Touted as one of the most eagerly awaited duels in ONE Championship’s annals, this matchup promises to be a feast for fight aficionados, likely bringing forth a spectacle of unparalleled intensity inside the ring.

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As part of her advocacy efforts, Angela is participating in a suicide prevention charity walk on Oahu, her home island in Hawaii. The event is part of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s “Out of the Darkness” campaign. On her Instagram, Angela emphasized the significance of the month, “Hi everyone, September is suicide awareness and prevention month… Register today and help bring hope to those affected by suicide.”

The Lee Siblings’ Martial Arts Legacy and Future Endeavors
The martial arts world has closely followed the Lee family, with multiple members achieving significant success in ONE Championship. Angela’s brother, Christian Lee, holds titles in both the lightweight and welterweight MMA divisions. He’s confirmed to return to the ring next year. Simultaneously, their youngest sibling, Adrian Lee, is gearing up for an amateur fight, with great anticipation from ONE’s CEO, Chatri Sityodtong, for his professional debut.

Angela, meanwhile, is set to attend ONE Fight Night 14 in Singapore next month, where speculation surrounds her future in the sport, especially after setting up Fightstory.

Fightstory: A Beacon of Hope in the Fight for Mental Health
The core essence of Fightstory is about sharing, supporting, and uplifting those who feel isolated in their struggles. Angela’s heartfelt words on her charity reflect its depth and vision, “Everyone you know is fighting a battle you know nothing about… Fightstory exists to let people know that it’s OK to talk about your mental health… We are fighting the good fight for mental health and we are just getting started.”

For those battling suicidal thoughts, help is accessible and available. Remember, reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Note: For immediate assistance, contact The Samaritans at +852 2896 0000 or the Suicide Prevention Services at +852 2382 0000 in Hong Kong. In the US, reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 988lifeline.org.

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Embracing the Gi and Its Intricacies
While Johnson’s grappling excellence has been on full display under the ONE Championship banner, the fighter is pushing his boundaries further. The end of his MMA career sees him delving deep into the art of submission grappling, with a special focus on understanding and adapting to the rules when competing in a gi. Fascinated by the myriad of strategies and techniques the gi introduces, Johnson has been wholly consumed by this new aspect of combat sport. As a testament to his dedication, the ‘Mighty Mouse’ admitted to sidelining MMA training since his last stint at ONE Fight Night 10.

Johnson’s Thoughts and Upcoming Challenge
During a candid conversation with Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour, Johnson shed light on his passion for the gi. He expressed, “The complexity of what the gi brings to the game is intriguing. In no-gi, I rely heavily on my athleticism. But the gi? It’s a different ball game altogether.” As Johnson steps into the competitive realm of the brown belt Master 2 featherweight division, he’s poised to compete in one of the event’s densest brackets, aiming to leave an indelible mark in pro submission grappling.

As fans and experts keenly await Johnson’s performance, one thing is clear: ‘Mighty Mouse’ is unafraid of reinvention, and his journey from the MMA octagon to the grappling mat promises to be a spectacle.

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Two ONE Championship fighters have recently been suspended after failing drug tests, according to a source familiar with the matter. The suspensions were enforced under ONE’s anti-doping program guidelines, which prioritize fair competition and athlete integrity.

Kairat Akhmetov’s Positive Test and Suspension

Kairat Akhmetov, a prominent fighter in the ONE Championship, reportedly tested positive for a banned substance during an out-of-competition test conducted on May 15. As a result, he is expected to face a six-month suspension. Notably, his win over Reece McLaren at ONE Fight Night 10 will not be overturned since the positive test was out-of-competition, following ONE’s rules.

Julie Mezabarba’s Multiple Substance Violations and Release from ONE

Julie Mezabarba, a Brazilian athlete competing in ONE Championship, tested positive for multiple banned substances during an in-competition test on April 22. Consequently, she will be suspended for 18 months. However, it is worth noting that Mezabarba has already been released from the promotion, as evidenced by her participation in two local regional events in Brazil subsequent to her decision loss to Denice Zamboanga at ONE Fight Night 9 in Bangkok.

ONE Championship’s Rigorous Anti-Doping Measures

ONE Championship takes a strong stance against doping in MMA. The organization’s MMA contracts are exclusive, and it implements strict anti-doping protocols in collaboration with International Doping Tests and Management (IDTM), its anti-doping partner. Drug test samples are collected and processed under the supervision of a Doping Control Officer (DCO), ensuring the integrity and credibility of the testing process.

Other Incidents of Failed Drug Tests in ONE Championship

Apart from Akhmetov and Mezabarba, there have been other instances of fighters failing drug tests in ONE Championship. Croatian heavyweight Martin Batur, who made his promotional debut at ONE 160 event in Singapore, tested positive for a banned substance, resulting in the reclassification of his victory over Paul Elliot as a No Contest. Additionally, heavyweight fighter Jasur Mirzamukhamedov also tested positive for a performance-enhancing substance and was subsequently suspended and released from his ONE contract.

ONE Championship remains committed to maintaining the integrity and fairness of its competitions by implementing stringent anti-doping measures. The recent suspensions of Kairat Akhmetov and Julie Mezabarba underscore the promotion’s unwavering stance against doping, as it continues to uphold the values of clean competition within the realm of martial arts.

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Jonathan Haggerty, a prominent fighter in ONE Championship, finds himself in a fortunate position with several potential opponents for his upcoming fight. After his impressive victory over Nong-O Hama, the former featherweight kickboxing champion, Haggerty has become a sought-after contender in the bantamweight Muay Thai division.

Superbon Calls for an Immediate Rematch Between Nong-O and Haggerty

Superbon Singha Mawynn, a former champion and close friend and training partner of Nong-O Hama, strongly believes that Nong-O deserves an immediate rematch against Haggerty. Superbon, known as “The General” in Thailand, recognizes Haggerty’s skills but asserts that Nong-O should have another chance to reclaim his title.

In a stunning turn of events, Jonathan Haggerty delivered a first-round knockout against Nong-O on his home turf at Lumpinee Stadium. Not only did Haggerty dethrone the 36-year-old veteran, but he also secured an extraordinary US$100,000 performance bonus. Superbon acknowledges Haggerty’s success but suggests that the fighter needs to prove himself further.

Haggerty’s Alternatives: Trilogy Against Rodtang and a Possible Match with Liam Harrison

While Superbon urges a rematch, Haggerty has other options in mind. One potential path is a trilogy fight against Rodtang Jitmuangnon, who not only claimed the flyweight title from Haggerty but also defeated him in his first title defense. Another enticing prospect is a showdown with British legend Liam Harrison in the UK. However, considering Nong-O’s impressive track record, an immediate rematch seems justified.

Superbon recognizes the potential excitement of a fight against Rodtang but suggests that Haggerty’s larger size could give him an advantage. Superbon acknowledges Haggerty’s power, particularly at higher weight classes. However, Superbon maintains that a rematch with Nong-O is the most deserving option for Haggerty to prove himself as the ultimate fighter.

Superbon weighs in on potential opponents for Haggerty and emphasizes the importance of a rematch with Nong-O. While Haggerty has enticing alternatives, Superbon argues that facing Nong-O again will solidify Haggerty’s position as a top fighter in the bantamweight Muay Thai division.

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There’s a chance that ONE atomweight champion Angela Lee will not return for another fight. ONE Championship CEO Chatri Sityodtong shares insights on Angela Lee’s future.

The Tragic Loss

The untimely death of Angela Lee’s sister, Victoria Lee, impacts her decision.

Manila, June 10, 2023 – ONE Championship’s women’s division faces a potential turning point as the promotion’s women’s atomweight champion, Angela Lee, contemplates the end of her MMA career. In a recent Facebook Live Q&A session, ONE CEO Chatri Sityodtong hinted that the 26-year-old fighter may have fought her last bout and could retire from the sport.

During the session, Sityodtong addressed Angela Lee’s future, shedding light on the profound impact of the tragic loss of her sister, Victoria Lee. Victoria, who also competed in ONE Championship, tragically passed away at just 18 years of age this past December.

“Angela Lee is likely not coming back due to the loss of her sister,” Sityodtong revealed during the emotional Facebook Live session.

In a separate interview with the South China Morning Post, Sityodtong expressed that Angela Lee hasn’t made a final decision, but the promotion is prepared to crown an interim atomweight champion in her absence. To this end, ONE Championship is working towards arranging a highly anticipated matchup between Stamp Fairtex, the number one ranked atomweight, and UFC veteran Seo Hee Ham, who holds the second rank. This fight would determine the interim atomweight champion.

Sityodtong further confirmed that Angela’s older brother, Christian Lee, who currently holds the lightweight and welterweight titles in ONE, will take a break for the remainder of 2023. However, he intends to make a comeback in 2024.

With Angela Lee’s uncertain return, ONE Championship is likely to crown interim champions in both the lightweight and welterweight divisions to maintain the division’s momentum until Lee’s potential return to action.

“Angela is still undecided on her return, but could likely retire,” stated Sityodtong. “Stamp [Fairtex] versus [Seo Hee] Ham is interim [for the atomweight division].”

Despite the passing of their sister six months ago, neither Angela nor Christian Lee have directly addressed their plans to compete again.

While Sityodtong did not make any official announcements regarding the contenders for the interim lightweight or welterweight titles, it appears that both fights are in the works and scheduled for later this year.

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Tonon’s Journey from Grappling Phenom to MMA Contender

Garry Tonon made a name for himself in the Brazilian jiu-jitsu circuit, winning multiple championships before venturing into mixed martial arts. Despite a setback in his first attempt to capture the ONE featherweight title, suffering a knockout loss to Thanh Le, Tonon quickly rebounded with an impressive first-round submission victory over Johnny Nunez in his last outing. Now, Tonon seeks to build on that momentum as he steps back into the cage in July, determined to showcase his elite grappling skills once again.

Gasanov’s Undefeated Streak and Aspirations for Victory

Shamil Gasanov, an undefeated Russian fighter with a perfect 13-0 record, aims to make a significant statement in his clash with Tonon. Gasanov made an impactful debut in ONE Championship last October, securing a first-round submission win. Despite an injury preventing him from facing former featherweight world champion Martin Nguyen, Gasanov has fully recovered and is eager to resume his ascension in the division. With both fighters being skilled submission artists, this clash promises an intriguing battle between their grappling styles.

A Clash of Striking and Grappling Prowess

Not only are Tonon and Gasanov exceptional submission specialists, but they also possess formidable striking skills. Fans can expect a high-octane showdown with non-stop action, showcasing the versatility and talent of both fighters. Their well-rounded skill sets add an additional layer of excitement to this anticipated matchup, making it a must-watch encounter for MMA enthusiasts.

Catch All the Action Live on Amazon Prime Video

ONE Fight Night events are renowned for their thrilling matchups and are available to viewers in the United States and Canada on Amazon Prime Video. Existing Prime Video members can enjoy the entire card live, free of charge, in primetime. Don’t miss out on this exciting event that promises to deliver captivating moments inside the cage.

As Garry Tonon returns to the MMA scene, he faces the undefeated Shamil Gasanov in a featherweight battle at ONE Fight Night. Tonon’s grappling prowess will clash with Gasanov’s determination to prove himself against a high-caliber opponent. This fight guarantees non-stop action, showcasing both fighters’ submission skills and striking capabilities. Tune in to Amazon Prime Video to catch all the live action and witness the electrifying moments that will unfold at this highly anticipated event.

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