4 Lessons We Learned From ONE: CLASH OF LEGENDS

Another epic night of martial arts action in is the books, and the heroes of ONE Championship have a set of incredible performances at ONE: CLASH OF LEGENDS to reflect on.

Across a night of 12 mixed martial arts and Muay Thai bouts, a new World Champion was crowned, icons thrilled fans with the kind of displays they are famous for, and new stars emerged thanks to breakout performances on the global stage.

These are the four biggest lessons we learned after a night of world-class entertainment from the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand on Saturday, 16 February.

Nong-O’s Legend Continues To Grow

Even before he stepped into the ring, Nong-O Gaiyanghadao was a martial arts legend.

He is a four-time Lumpinee Stadium Muay Thai World Champion, a Rajadamnern Stadium Muay Thai World Champion, and a two-time Thailand Champion with more than 250 wins to his name.

At ONE: CLASH OF LEGENDS, he added to his long list of honors by winning his greatest prize yet – the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title.

The Evolve representative faced a talented young challenger in China’s Han Zi Hao, and the Top King Muay Thai World Champion never stopped coming forward for five rounds. However, Nong-O’s masterful display of precision and power made him the clear winner by unanimous decision.

He made history by becoming the first winner of his World Title, and he has set himself up to add to his legacy in the months and years to come as he takes on challengers from all across the globe.

Thailand’s Muay Thai Masters Are Still Unmatched

Including Nong-O in the main event, there were five ONE Super Series Muay Thai stars from Thailand who showed why their nation is still unmatched in ‘the art of eight limbs.’

First, Chamuaktong Fightermuaythai went toe-to-toe with Charlie “Boy” Peters from England and edged a close 67.5-kilogram catch weight contest thanks to his masterful clinch techniques.

Superlek Kiatmoo9 followed that on the first bout of the main card and claimed a unanimous decision by showcasing his spectacular kicking game to overwhelm Cambodia’s Lao Chetra over three rounds in the flyweight division.

“Smokin'” Jo Nattawut continued the streak in front of the Thai fans by emerging from a fantastic featherweight match with Samy “AK47” Sana unscathed, and with his hand raised.

Kongsak P.K.Saenchaimuaythaigym made it five for five with a performance befitting of his legendary status, as he took Alaverdi “Babyface Killer” Ramazanov’s best shots, but returned fire to earn another win for the home fans.

Of course, Nong-O completed a banner night with his World Title win to make “The Land Of Smiles” live up to its nickname, as well as prove no nation can match it for Muay Thai excellence.

ONE Warrior Series Has Unearthed A True Warrior

Mark “Tyson” Fairtex Abelardo became the latest graduate of Rich Franklin’s ONE Warrior Series to earn a spot on the main roster of The Home Of Martial Arts last October, and he proved he deserved his promotion in Bangkok.

The New Zealander, who is based at the Fairtex Training Center in Pattaya, Thailand, was tasked with taking on an undefeated Japanese star in Daichi Takenaka, but he rose to the occasion to score a third-round stoppage.

Abelardo did not have it all his own way, however. The Shooto Featherweight Champion put him in some tough spots throughout the match, but the 27-year-old battled through them all, including a close rear-naked choke.

Whenever he had the chance, “Tyson” was aggressive with his striking on the feet, but it was his elbows off his back that made the decisive difference in the result of this bout.

Midway through the final frame, the accumulation of damage on Takenaka’s face forced a doctor’s stoppage, which gave Abelardo a come-from-behind victory in his promotional debut.

We cannot wait to see how far he can go from here.

Iniong’s Veteran Savvy Too Much For The Rising Star

After three dominant performances in The Home Of Martial Arts, Jihin “Shadow Cat” Radzuan had the chance to take a big step toward a ONE Women’s Atomweight World Title shot with a win over one of the division’s established veterans.

However, Gina “Conviction” Iniong proved why she is one of the best athletes in the weight class. She turned in a well-rounded performance to give her Malaysian rival the first defeat of her career.

Although she was up against a Wushu World Champion, Iniong was sharper on her feet. The Team Lakay representative was also stronger in the clinch, and dominant when she took top position on the ground.

She had to hang on in the final minute when Jihin took her back, but “Conviction” has experience of being in a hard place, and she remained safe to seal her win via split decision.

“Shadow Cat” will surely be back, and go on to great things. But for now, it is Iniong’s turn to climb back up the atomweight ranks to chase a shot at the gold.