4 Reasons You Absolutely Have To Catch ONE: IRON WILL

Martin Nguyen kl fight1 21

On Saturday, 24 March, the world’s best martial artists will descend upon Bangkok, Thailand, as the Impact Arena plays host to ONE Championship’s upcoming blockbuster, ONE: IRON WILL.

The thrilling event will feature heroes from 13 nations competing across 11 bouts on a night that is sure to deliver on the world’s most exciting martial arts action, spectacular techniques, and warrior spirit in the tradition of martial arts.

With a historic world championship main event at the top of the card, the debut of one of the greatest grapplers on the planet, and a host of local favorites ready to represent their nation, ONE: IRON WILL is bound to produce an unforgettable evening in “The Land Of Smiles.”

Here are four spectacular reasons why you absolutely have to catch ONE: IRON WILL this Saturday.

#1 History Will Be Made In The Main Event

180324 BKK hero.jpg

ONE Bantamweight World Champion Bibiano “The Flash” Fernandes is the most dominant athlete in ONE history. He is riding a 13-bout win streak, and he will be making a record-extending eighth world title defense. But the Brazilian faces another man who is looking to make some history of his own.

Martin “The Situ-Asian” Nguyen shocked the world in 2017 when he dethroned all-conquering ONE Featherweight World Champion Marat Gafurov with a single punch, then followed it up with another one-punch finish as he defeated ONE Lightweight World Champion Eduard Folayang.

Now a two-division world champion, the Vietnamese-Australian is dropping to bantamweight in a bid to become the first three-division world champion in the history of the cage.

In what may be the biggest bout in history, the world will witness world champion versus world champion, grappler versus striker, and experience versus youth in a bout that is sure to thrill.

#2 A Grappling Legend Makes His Debut

Garry Tonon IMG_4414.jpg

Brazilian jiu-jitsu ace Garry Tonon has won virtually every championship there is to win on the mats. The American has won multiple IBJJF No-Gi World Championships, Pan American Championships, as well as world titles at the Eddie Bravo Invitational and Metamoris.

Now, after giving ONE fans a glimpse of his skills by submitting Shinya Aoki in a special Grappling Super-Match last May, “The Lion Killer” returns to the cage to embark on a new martial arts career. Tonon makes his in-cage professional debut against Filipino striker Richard “Notorious” Corminal in a bout that will test his skills under ONE’s Global Rule Set for the very first time. 

If he takes to life in the cage as well as he took to life on the mats, the lightweight division may soon have a new contender in their ranks.

#3 Thai Heroes Are Ready To Shine On Home Soil

Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke IMG_4609.jpg

The packed crowd at the Impact Arena will be sure to reserve their biggest ovations of the night for their national heroes.

Four Thai martial arts stars will step into the ONE cage in a bid to claim crucial victories for their respective careers, as well as give their fellow countrymen something to celebrate on a huge night for Thai martial arts.

Leading the way will be Muay Thai legend and former ONE Strawweight World Champion Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke, who takes on Filipino striker Jeremy “The Jaguar” Miado in a co-main event bout that promises fireworks from the very start.

Also set for action is Thailand’s own martial arts power couple, as lightweight contender Shannon “OneShin” Wiratchai and atomweight star Rika “Tinydoll” Ishige face Rahul “The Kerala Krusher” Raju, and Angelie Sabanal, respectively.

The honor of the first Thai athlete to step into the cage on the night goes to Kritsada “Dream Man” Kongsrichai, who faces off against the Philippines’ Robin “The Ilongo” Catalan on the preliminary card.

#4 Expect Fireworks, Both Inside And Outside The Cage

Rika Ishige ONE1705_1166.jpg

ONE events are always special, and with the addition of memorable entrances from Wiratchai and Ishige, fans will be treated to a spectacular show before they even step into the cage.

Both are famous for their elaborate walkouts, having wowed the fans with entrances inspired by Pokemon, Street Fighter, and Bruce Lee, and often feature each other as a part of their spectacular entrances.

With the opening ceremony, light shows, and world-class video introductions, ONE: IRON WILL will deliver a show every bit as spectacular outside of the cage as the action inside of it.

More in Features

Regian Eersel Dmitry Menshikov ONE Fight Night 11 37
Francisco Lo
Duke Didier walks out at ONE 158
Kade Ruotolo Tommy Langaker ONE 165 29
Valmir Da Silva is declared winner by submission finish at ONE 159
Denis Puric Nguyen Tran Duy Nhat ONE Fight Night 17 18
Tye Ruotolo Magomed Abdulkadirov ONE Fight Night 16 16
Izaak Michell ONE Championship
Alexis Nicolas Magomed Magomedov ONE Friday Fights 47 28
Jackie Buntan Martine Michieletto ONE Fight Night 20 6
NL 4601
Todd Phetjeeja faceoff