That is it for us from "The Lion City."
We're off to Malaysia for ONE: MARK OF GREATNESS next month, but in the meantime, check out ONEFC.com for more news about that event and to relive all the great action from ONE: EDGE OF GREATNESS.
Goodnight, Singapore!
The World Champion speaks on his monumental fourth-round knockout victory. “Saemapetch is a really strong opponent. He got a lot of my punches, but he didn’t easily go down. I also got his — he has very strong hands. I’m so happy that I can finish this fight by knockout because I waited for five fights and everybody kept asking me 'When will it happen?' I try to finish every time, but it depends on the right time. Finally, I did it today.”
ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong revealed his thoughts about the Amir Khan versus Ev Ting bout: "I thought Ev Ting won the fight. I love Amir Khan, but I feel like he didn't do anything tonight."
And your winner for ONE: FANTASY tonight is ... Byron Cristol. Congratulations! We look forward to seeing you defend the title during ONE: MARK OF GREATNESS!
It was a close bout, but Amir Khan defeated Ev Ting via split decision. We spoke to him backstage, and he opened up about his strategy. “I think I did more damage. He was trying to suck me into a brawl, and we knew he would try to brawl with me because that's where he is at his best. But I played it smart, just trying to get the victory tonight,” he explained. “I knew I was winning. I was trying to do damage and catch him when he was coming in. The fans wanted that brawl, but like I said, I came to win and do my country proud.”
Nong-O Gaiyanghadao defeats Saemapetch Fairtex via knockout at 1:46 of round four (ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion)
There is more at stake than just a gold belt. This match is all about pride and skill. Who is the very best bantamweight striker on the planet? We’re about to find out in what is sure to be an incredible display of Muay Thai action!
Saemapetch has called Nong-O his idol, but he promises the emotional connection won’t stop him from taking the champ out tonight. He told us that, and much more, at ONEFC.com.
Find out what advantages the World Champion sees against his toughest challenge to date. This is what he told ONEFC.com.
It’s main event time! The ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Championship is on the line. Nong-O Gaiyanghadao defends the gold against Saemapetch Fairtex!
Amir Khan defeats Ev Ting via split decision (mixed martial arts — lightweight)
We spoke to Khan prior to the bout, here is what he said he has to prove leading into the evening.
Khan and Ting combine for 31 ONE Championship bouts. Tonight is their first-ever meeting. It has been a long, winding road to get to this match-up.
Two longtime ONE Championship athletes finally meet inside the ring for a lightweight contest. Amir Khan vs. Ev “E.T.” Ting in the co-main event is next.
Dejdamrong got back into the winner’s circle with a huge third-round victory against Muhammad Imran. In victory, he proved age is not an issue. “Imran is young — he is only 27 years old, and I am 41 years old. I had to be more in control of myself by not going too fast. I learned from the last fight because I had so much confidence in myself, and that made me lose. So in this fight, I had to be more careful, which made me feel like I had a little more control and could not put all the power into my strikes. Anyway, I am happy with the result today,” he said. “Even though I am 41 years old, people might think that I am too old to fight. But I know myself — I take care of myself very well, and I still have the fire and hunger for a chance to challenge for the World Title again.”
Think this one is headed to the scorecards? In a combined 11 wins, these two post two submissions and six knockouts. A combined 73% finish rate!
Up next, Troy Worthen squares-off against Chen Lei in a bantamweight showdown in what should be pure action from start-to-finish.
Rahul Raju defeats Furqan Cheema via submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:00 of round two (mixed martial arts — catch weight of 81 kilograms)
ROUND TWO
Sticking to his grapple-heavy strategy, Raju went for the takedown in the corner. Though he got the Pakistani down and briefly spun around to his back, Cheema escaped.
A stand-up battle took place, with Raju backing up his rival with strikes and using punches to set up his takedowns. Following a call for more action, the two engaged more.
Raju would take him down, step over the guard to take his back, and secure the bout-ending rear-naked choke.
ROUND ONE
Raju ducked a spinning strike early, lunged at his opponent with a body lock, and worked for a takedown towards the ropes. Despite the Indian’s best efforts, the two separated. The pair exchanged occasional strikes, but Raju carefully brought his opponent to the ground in the corner, spun him around, and attacked from inside the Pakistani’s guard.
The Indian moved to side control, where he tried to soften him up with an elbow and a knee, but too much space allowed Cheema to escape. However, action was stopped as it was noticed that the Pakistani grabbed the ropes on multiple occasions, despite repeated warnings. As a result, he was given a yellow card.
Action resumed with Raju working for a takedown in the corner, He went into his bag of tricks by softening his rival’s leg with knees and utilizing foot stamps. But to no avail — the bell rang to end the round.
Singapore will be loud for Raju when he makes his walk. The Indian is now based in Singapore and training out of Juggernaut Fight Club. Learn more about his journey here.
“The Lion” is a perfect 3-0 in his young career. The Manchester-based Pakistani could be the next fighter to watch due to his boxing and jiu-jitsu background.
Rahul “The Kerala Krusher” Raju and Furqan “The Lion” Cheema will meet in a catchweight bout as the action rolls on at ONE: EDGE OF GREATNESS!
Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke defeats Muhammad Imran via TKO at 1:21 of round three (mixed martial arts — catch weight of 81 kilograms)
Dejdamrong was the inaugural ONE Strawweight World Champion, but to reach that height again, he will have to win a clash of styles. “The Spider” is a multi-time submission grappling champion in Pakistan.
Strawweights Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke and Muhammad “The Spider” Imran are next up on the docket!
Colbey Northcutt defeats Putri Padmi via unanimous decision (mixed martial arts — flyweight)
Colbey is the sister to “Super” Sage Northcutt, and she is just as decorated as him.