‘I’m A Level Above Him’ – Isi Fitikefu Promises To Finish Undefeated Star Chase Mann At ONE Fight Night 39
Tongan-Australian star Isi “Doxz” Fitikefu is supremely confident he operates on a different level than his next opponent, and he plans to prove it with a decisive finish.
The 33-year-old will face undefeated American promotional newcomer Chase “Mannimal” Mann in a welterweight MMA showdown at ONE Fight Night 39: Rambolek vs. Dayakaev on Prime Video, which airs live in U.S. primetime from Bangkok’s iconic Lumpinee Stadium on Friday, January 23.
Fitikefu enters this matchup riding a two-bout winning streak and looking to solidify his position as a serious contender in ONE Championship’s stacked welterweight MMA division.
The Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Smeaton Grange representative made his promotional debut with a pristine 7-0 slate in November 2022. However, he suffered a narrow split-decision loss to Ruslan Emilbek Uulu in his first outing under the bright lights.
After that, he bounced back in epic fashion, as he secured two impressive victories against tough competitors like Valmir “Junior” Da Silva and Hiroyuki “Japanese Beast” Tetsuka.
Now, Fitikefu plans to notch his third consecutive victory against Mann, a well-rounded 29-year-old American who carries a perfect 6-0 professional record into the contest at ONE Fight Night 39.
Despite facing an undefeated opponent, Fitikefu has the utmost faith in his own abilities and believes the experience gap will be clear.
Speaking to onefc.com, the former rugby player made his stance clear:
“I really just train in my own style. I don’t train according to his style or someone else’s style. I’m doing what I can do within my control. No disrespect to the guy, but I believe there are levels to this game. I’m not disrespecting him. I don’t know what he’s done, but I feel like I’m a level above him.”
Mann’s inspirational journey to ONE Championship has resonated throughout the MMA community. The American overcame a difficult childhood marked by his parents’ struggles with drug addiction to forge a career in mixed martial arts.
That toughness and determination have carried Mann to six professional victories without a single loss, each win bringing him closer to the global stage he’ll now grace on Friday evening.
However, Fitikefu has seen spotless records get shattered multiple times throughout his career, and Mann’s flawless resume will not intimidate him when they enter the ring. The Tongan-Australian veteran approaches every battle with the same mentality regardless of circumstance or opponent.
Fitikefu said:
“I don’t care if he’s undefeated or if he has 1,000 or 600 fights. I prepare the same as I always prepare. It doesn’t matter if it’s a World Title fight or a normal fight. If you’re in my way, I’m getting past you. I always train like a maniac, and it’s the same for this fight. I don’t fear anyone.”
When it comes to his prediction for the fight, Fitikefu doesn’t mince words.
The Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Smeaton Grange product expects to add another finish to his resume, though he’s uncertain exactly how or when that stoppage will arrive.
Fitikefu offered:
“I’ll be going all out, hunting, attacking, and doing everything I can until I finish him. Could be round one, could be round three. I don’t know which one it is, I don’t know. Could be a knockout or a submission. But one thing’s guaranteed: I’m finishing him.”
Fitikefu Plans To ‘Bring The Heat’ At ONE Fight Night 39
Isi Fitikefu has built his reputation on applying constant pressure from the opening bell, overwhelming adversaries with a relentless pace that forces them to make mistakes. That approach has served him well throughout his career.
Against Chase Mann at ONE Fight Night 39, the BJJ black belt plans to employ that same suffocating strategy, testing whether the unbeaten American can handle the intensity of ONE Championship’s global stage.
The Sydney-based MMA fighter said:
“I love to bring the heat. And if he doesn’t like the heat, then get out of the kitchen. I’m coming to bring the fight to him. I like my style because that’s how I fight. If you don’t want to be there, man, good luck. The only way you’re going to get out of there is if I finish you.”
Beyond his martial arts career, Fitikefu has become known for his love of pickleball, often sharing his passion for the rapidly growing sport with fans and teammates.
But when event night arrives and the bell rings, all distractions fade away. Fitikefu transforms into a focused, dangerous competitor who lives to test himself against the best MMA fighters in the world.
When asked where a victory on Friday might position him in the divisional hierarchy, Fitikefu remained philosophical about his World Title aspirations:
“I don’t know where it puts me, but I believe in God’s timing. He’s got a plan for me, and it could be the next one, could be not the next one, but I’m trusting in His plan. I’m trusting God’s plan.”
