Dec 23, 2020

3 Bouts To Steal The Show At ONE: COLLISION COURSE II

Japan's Momotaro beats Singtongnoi in 41 seconds to set fastest ONE Super Series knockout in history

ONE Championship is ready to round out its 2020 event calendar with ONE: COLLISION COURSE II this Friday, 25 December.

Jamal “Kherow” Yusupov and Samy “AK47” Sana will square off in a top-of-the-bill Muay Thai clash at the previously recorded event, but every athlete on the undercard will be looking to make the biggest impact.

Here are three mixed martial arts and Muay Thai fights that could steal the show at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on Christmas Day.

#1 Momotaro Vs. Walter Goncalves

Muay Thai stars Momotaro and Walter Goncalves fight at ONE: COLLISION COURSE II

Japanese star Momotaro will take on former ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title contender Walter Goncalves in a matchup of contrasting striking styles.

The Oguni Gym product blends his karate background with “the art of eight limbs” to produce a slick hybrid that makes him dangerous in every range.

With his 12-centimeter height advantage, he could punish the Brazilian with long kicks and punches from the outside. When Goncalves attempts to close the distance, Momotaro’s concussive punches and strong clinch game will be waiting.

However, the 22-year-old from Fortaleza is not one to back away from the danger zone. He likes to go toe-to-toe to throw hands, while his iron chin — which was on display when he went five rounds with Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon — means he’s confident about emerging victorious.

Goncalves also has strong kicks and counters, so both men will bring plenty of tools to the Circle – and that could signal a fascinating three rounds of Muay Thai action when they meet in Singapore.

#2 Senzo Ikeda Vs. Liang Hui

MMA stars Senzo Ikeda and Liang Hui fight at ONE: COLLISION COURSE II

All-out action is a guarantee whenever Senzo Ikeda enters the Circle. The former professional boxer from Japan uses his striking and scrambling to push his rivals in fast-paced contests.

His opponent — “The Little Monster” Liang Hui — will not want to strike with his opponent for 15 minutes. Instead, the 22-year-old wrestler is likely to close the distance and try his best to dominate in the clinch and on the ground.

That won’t be as simple as it sounds against Ikeda, who has great footwork and punishing fists. The Japanese Mixed Martial Arts Champion does not stand still long enough to be a static target, and his feints and counters could be enough to make “The Little Monster” wary of taking his shots.

However, the rising Chinese star has youth on his side, while the knowledge that he’s never been knocked out will fuel his quest to hunt down the 38-year-old.

With two conflicting agendas from a pair of elite athletes, this classic battle of boxing versus wrestling is almost certain to deliver fireworks.

#3 Raimond Magomedaliev Vs. Edson Marques

MMA stars Raimond Magomedaliev and Edson Marques fight at ONE: COLLISION COURSE II

The welterweight mixed martial arts tussle between Raimond Magomedaliev and Edson “Panico” Marques is another example of the division’s rapidly increasing strength.

Dagestan’s Magomedaliev came up short in a hard-fought decision to James Nakashima in his ONE debut, but he proceeded to blow fans away with an incredible win over Joey “Mama’s Boy” Pierotti.

Magomedaliev — who is a champion in combat sambo, sanda, and hand-to-hand combat — showed his versatility with a furious striking onslaught before sealing the deal with a guillotine choke. Any opponent watching that bout must surely question whether there are any gaps in the Russian’s arsenal.

Undefeated Marques will try to find the weaknesses in his opponent’s striking. At 9-0 and with six consecutive knockout wins, he’s shown an ability to do so against every opponent he’s faced so far.

“Panico” will be stepping up to the big stage for the first time, and his debut performance will be a good measure of his ability to climb the ranks. He will be more motivated than ever to keep his run of form intact, but Magomedaliev will offer his toughest test to date.

With 12 finishes among their combined 15 victories, the most likely outcome is a definitive ending to the battle before the three rounds are over.