The 5 Biggest Storylines Heading Into ONE Friday Fights 22
When ONE Championship returns to Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, for ONE Friday Fights 22, it will bring the most stacked card yet in the weekly Asia primetime series.
Airing on June 23, the lineup features two massive World Title fights, several of Thailand’s most beloved stars, and one of the most exciting promotional debuts in recent memory.
In short, there are plenty of reasons to tune in – and here are the five most important storylines heading into this blockbuster event.
#1 The True Heavyweight King Will Finally Emerge
Reigning ONE Heavyweight World Champion Arjan Bhullar and interim divisional king Anatoly Malykhin will settle their rivalry in a mixed martial arts battle of colossal proportions.
Feared for his world-class wrestling and ever-evolving boxing game, “Singh” hasn’t competed since he won the belt back in 2021.
But the division moved on in his absence, and the man known as “Sladkiy” broke out as a true force to be reckoned with, capturing the ONE Light Heavyweight World Title in addition to his interim crown – all while extending his undefeated MMA record and 100 percent finishing rate.
Never shy to call out Bhullar for his inactivity, Malykhin’s comments in the media have only escalated the drama ahead of this epic showdown.
#2 Can The Legendary Sam-A Get His Redemption?
The main event will see former two-sport and two-weight king Sam-A Gaiyanghadao look for revenge against the man who took his ONE Strawweight Muay Thai World Title back in 2021.
That man is another Thai superstar in Prajanchai PK Saenchai, who dethroned the 39-year-old by the slimmest of margins in their first meeting.
Now, Sam-A has returned, and after a sensational knockout victory in his most recent outing, he still appears to be very much at the top of his game.
Beyond redemption, this headline affair will be the icon’s chance to once again hold gold around his waist. With current titleholder Joseph Lasiri sidelined, he will face Prajanchai for the ONE Interim Strawweight Muay Thai World Title in the sport’s homeland.
#3 Sitthichai And Superlek Return To Muay Thai
Elsewhere on the card, a pair of Thai superstars known more recently for their stellar performances in kickboxing will lace up the 4-ounce gloves and return to their Muay Thai roots.
First, former multiple-time Lumpinee Stadium Muay Thai World Champion Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong – fresh off an impressive 3-1 stretch in kickboxing – will square off with unorthodox American fan favorite Eddie Abasolo in a pivotal featherweight bout that could land either man on the doorstep of a World Title shot.
And later, reigning ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion Superlek Kiatmoo9 will take on 19-year-old prodigy Nabil Anane. With a victory, #1-ranked Superlek might just earn himself a long-awaited showdown with flyweight Muay Thai kingpin Rodtang Jitmuangnon.
#4 Seksan Looks To Remain Unstoppable
Ever since ONE began offering weekly fights at the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium, few athletes have shined as brightly as Thai legend Seksan “The Man Who Yields To No One” Or Kwanmuang.
The 34-year-old boasts a perfect 3-0 record in ONE Lumpinee bouts and is riding exceptionally high following an unforgettably brutal stoppage of Sean Clancy in his most recent appearance.
Loaded with confidence and looking to remain in top form, Seksan hopes to keep the ball rolling against accomplished British sensation Nathan Bendon in their intriguing Muay Thai scrap.
#5 Teen Prodigy Aims For Dream Debut
Finally, 19-year-old phenom Nabil Anane will bring his 6-foot-2 frame and rare talent to ONE for a promotional debut that no fan will want to miss.
The youngest-ever WBC Muay Thai World Champion has all the makings of a future superstar, but he’ll face the stiffest test of his career when he meets flyweight kickboxing king Superlek under Muay Thai rules.
If he can take out his high-profile foe, Anane will clearly announce himself as the flyweight Muay Thai division’s most terrifying rising star.
