3 Fights That Could Steal The Show At ONE: FISTS OF FURY II
A pair of colossal heavyweight battles will close out ONE: FISTS OF FURY II this Friday, but first, fans around the world will be treated to an explosive supporting card.
Although the big men can always be relied upon for high-impact collisions, the athletes in the lighter weight brackets are also ready to shine inside the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
With world-class skills, crazy athleticism, and plenty of determination on both sides of every matchup, here are three bouts that could steal the show when the previously recorded event hits the airwaves this Friday.
#1 Ryogo Takahashi Vs. Tang Kai
Ryogo “Kaitai” Takahashi and Tang Kai are mixed martial artists by trade, but striking is the most formidable element of their respective arsenals.
These fiery featherweights have scored 19 knockouts in 25 combined victories, so it’s fair to assume that both men will happily stand and trade in the center of the Circle.
Takahashi possesses a range of dangerous weapons. The Japanese veteran has fight-ending power in both hands, and his punishing low kicks can chop rivals down like a lumberjack.
Tang also has sharp hands, but unlike his opponent’s bludgeoning style, the Chinese star uses more mobility to set up his punches and rapid kicks.
Krazy Bee’s “Kaitai” is more likely to go on the front foot and walk Tang down, but every time he steps into the Qingdao native’s range, he’ll be susceptible to kicks that come at lightning-fast speed.
Both athletes have already scored stunning knockouts on the global stage, and it would make a massive statement if they take out another seasoned striker inside the distance.
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#2 Yoshiki Nakahara Vs. Ruslan Emilbek Uulu
Undefeated dynamo Ruslan “Snow Leopard” Emilbek Uulu will face the toughest test of his career in his big-show debut against Yoshiki Nakahara.
The Kyrgyz standout has finished nine opponents en route to his perfect 12-0 slate. Impressively, he’s done it with a blend of five knockouts and four submissions, which showcases the well-roundedness of his game.
“Snow Leopard” owns dynamic striking, powerful wrestling, and heavy ground-and-pound, which means he can threaten his foes from any range.
However, Nakahara has the skills and experience to meet Uulu head-on. The Japanese southpaw displayed his precise striking when he finished Emilio “The Honey Badger” Urrutia at ONE: CLASH OF LEGENDS in February 2019, and he’s also a seasoned judo black belt.
The Mach Dojo athlete has knocked out six of his opponents to date, so “Snow Leopard” will have to be constantly switched on to avoid his first defeat.
This is a match that could end anywhere, and neither athlete will give an inch for as long as it lasts.
#3 Mark Fairtex Abelardo Vs. Emilio Urrutia
The night’s opener between Mark “Tyson” Fairtex Abelardo and Emilio “The Honey Badger” Urrutia could certainly see end-to-end action.
Abelardo thrives in the chaos of intense stand-up exchanges. Often shorter than his opponents, the Kiwi slugger likes to wade in behind his boxing and makes use of hard elbows in close.
And with 11 knockouts on his resume, the Fairtex representative is clearly adept at breaking through the defenses of his opponents and making those forays worthwhile.
Meanwhile, Urrutia is a skilled Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner with a range of submission finishes on his record, but he’s shown a penchant for striking in The Home Of Martial Arts.
His stunning KO of Bruno Pucci at ONE: GLOBAL SUPERHEROES in January 2018 was equal in its destruction and beauty while showing the world what kind of power he’s capable of.
“The Honey Badger” could opt to mix things up against “Tyson,” although both men offer up a threat in every range, which should make for a fiery curtain-jerker.
Read more: 5 Reasons To Watch ONE: FISTS OF FURY II
