5 Reasons Why Ben Tynan Could Be MMA’s Next Great Heavyweight
Ben Tynan has the chance to make a massive statement in his promotional debut at ONE Fight Night 16: Haggerty vs. Andrade on Prime Video.
The Canadian – known as “Vanilla Thunder” – will face off against South Korean knockout artist “Mighty Warrior” Kang Ji Won in a key heavyweight clash in U.S. primetime on Friday, November 3.
Kang offers a big step up for Tynan, who could prove he belongs among the division’s elite with a victory at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
With that in mind, here are five reasons why “Vanilla Thunder” has the potential to be the next big thing in ONE’s heavyweight MMA ranks.
#1 He’s Unbeaten In MMA
Though he’s still early in his mixed martial arts career, Tynan has blitzed his way to a perfect 4-0 slate in no time.
His first professional fight was in March 2022, and the 29-year-old has kept a consistent schedule to earn four quick victories. Tynan was also unblemished as an amateur, securing eight straight wins before he decided to make the switch to the paid ranks.
Now 12-0 overall in the all-around sport, “Vanilla Thunder” is brimming with confidence ahead of his ONE debut.
#2 He’s A High-Level Wrestler
Prior to mixed martial arts, Tynan spent years honing his skills on the wrestling mats.
“Vanilla Thunder” was a Canadian Junior National Champion before heading to wrestle at North Dakota State University.
There, he competed in the NCAA Division 1 Wrestling Championships, going up against the USA’s leading competitors.
Tynan has adapted these skills perfectly to his new sport, while he continues to add new skills to his arsenal.
#3 He Can Finish With Submissions Or Strikes
Wrestling is the key element to dictating a bout in mixed martial arts, but Tynan has managed to blend it with ruthless aggression to pick up finish after finish.
The Canadian owns a 100 percent finishing rate through all 12 amateur and professional contests. He’s racked up five submission victories and seven stoppages via strikes courtesy of his punishing ground-and-pound.
Of those finishes, 10 have come in the very first round and two have come in the second.
#4 He Has Elite Training Partners
Tynan is awaiting his chance to square off against top competition in ONE, but he’s no stranger to mixing it up with the best in the world.
The Elevation Fight Team representative puts in work alongside the likes of American MMA stars Curtis Blaydes and Neil Magny, and he’s also traveled further to work alongside other elite athletes.
For instance, “Vanilla Thunder” makes regular trips to Texas to train with some of the best submission grapplers in the world, including Craig Jones and Nick Rodriguez.
#5 He’s Got The Persona To Match The Skills
Tynan’s fighting skills are impressive enough, but he also has a personality as big as his monstrous frame.
Whether it’s drawing inspiration from the pro wrestling playbook or being a self-certified “goof,” he’s always looking to put a smile on the faces of his supporters.
“Vanilla Thunder” now has a worldwide platform to match his character – and that will surely earn him legions of new fans from every corner of the globe.
