‘I Want To Finish Him’ – Undefeated Chase Mann Eyes Statement-Making ONE Debut Against Isi Fitikefu At ONE Fight Night 39

First impressions last, and undefeated American athlete Chase “Mannimal” Mann is planning to make his introduction to ONE Championship an unforgettable one at ONE Fight Night 39: Rambolek vs. Dayakaev on Prime Video this Friday, January 23, live in U.S. primetime.

That evening, the 29-year-old will face Isi “Doxz” Fitikefu in a welterweight MMA showdown inside Bangkok’s legendary Lumpinee Stadium.

Mann knows this will be a test unlike anything he’s experienced before, and he’s left nothing to chance in his latest fight camp.

While the physical grind has been business as usual — grueling sparring sessions, technical drilling, strength and conditioning work — the Arkansas native has taken a more focused approach to something deeper over the past weeks.

He told onefc.com:

“One of my big focuses — it’s not really a style — is focusing on my mental state. I know it might sound silly, but whether it’s jiu-jitsu, kickboxing, or whatever, I always push to a point where I truly want to quit, until I’m very uncomfortable and miserable. But afterwards, I love it.”

That mental edge will come in handy against someone of Fitikefu’s caliber. 

The Australian-Tongan veteran doesn’t just show up on fight night. He brings violence, physicality, and an unrelenting pace that has broken opponents.

Mann has studied the Sydney-based athlete to the fullest extent, and what he’s discovered is a fighter whose strengths create a dangerous puzzle that demands respect:

“One of his biggest strengths is his physical strength. You can see he’s a dog. He’s gritty. He’s got great wrestling. He’s very stubborn. I’ve studied this guy, man. I like the way he fights, honestly.

“Apart from that, I think his best skill is his forward pressure. His striking, it’s good. His grappling is also good. It sets his striking up. I think that’s one of his strengths, too. His grappling makes his striking better.”

While impressed by Fitikefu’s arsenal, the warrior from the Deep South is confident he has what it takes to move to a perfect 7-0 in his career.

When asked for his prediction, the LC representative didn’t hesitate. Mann’s coming to Bangkok to turn his opponent’s lights out and prove why he’s a force to be reckoned with in ONE’s elite welterweight MMA division.

The undefeated star added:

“I think I might be able to get a finish in the third round, but I’m going for a first-round finish. I don’t come to the ring looking for a decision. I want to finish. Wherever there’s an opportunity, I’m going for the finish.”

Mann’s Past Prepares Him For Fitikefu And Beyond

Chase Mann’s prediction radiates confidence, but it’s rooted in something far deeper than simple bravado.

The LC representative survived a troubled youth before transforming himself through martial arts into the undefeated contender standing on the precipice of global recognition today.

That background has given the 29-year-old an unshakable belief that no matter what Isi Fitikefu brings to the ONE ring in Thailand’s bustling capital, he’s faced worse obstacles outside of it:

“I’ve got a lot of heart. I have a lot of ‘don’t quit’ in me. In addition, I think I have a little bit of a striking advantage in certain areas, but it’s my responsibility to exploit that and set it up. Yeah, I would say those are two things I have over him.”

Those advantages — heart and striking — represent the foundation Mann believes will carry him not just through Friday night, but toward the ultimate prize in the sport.

The Arkansas native has his sights set on claiming the ONE Welterweight MMA World Title currently held by two-division king Christian “The Warrior” Lee, and he knows every big victory on the global stage will bring him a step closer to that World Championship opportunity.

But Mann understands the path to the gold requires patience and he’s prepared to make a steady run at the coveted strap starting with Fitikefu at ONE Fight Night 39:

“I would love to have a gold belt wrapped around my waist one day. I want to get an opportunity to be the best in the world, and I am ready to prove that here. I’m working hard for that.

“But I know I have to earn my shot, and I’ve still got to earn my keep here. So, right now, I’m focused on the opponent. Isi’s standing across from me, and that’s it.”