Social Media Reactions From The Stars Of ONE: EMPOWER
This past Friday, 3 September, ONE Championship made history by becoming the first major global martial arts organization to hold an all-women’s fight card.
The historic ONE: EMPOWER, which emanated from the Singapore Indoor Stadium, lived up to the hype. Fans were treated to a World Title main event, witnessed the entire quarterfinal round of the ONE Women’s Atomweight World Grand Prix, and saw two of the hottest strikers earn dominant victories.
Now that the dust has cleared, some of the event’s brightest stars went on social media and reflected on a historic night in “The Lion City.”
Xiong Jing Nan Vs. Michelle Nicolini
ONE Women’s Strawweight World Champion “The Panda” Xiong Jing Nan entered the record books when she defeated #2-ranked contender Michelle Nicolini to earn her fifth successful World Title defense – the most by any female titleholder in ONE history.
Still, the Chinese dynamo experienced a tremendous amount of hardship throughout her training camp, and she commented about that in an Instagram post.
Denice Zamboanga Vs. Seo Hee Ham
It was a close battle, but “Arale Chan” Seo Hee Ham emerged with the split-decision victory to advance to the ONE Women’s Atomweight World Grand Prix semifinals.
Following the win, the South Korean veteran announced that she didn’t suffer any injuries and was ready to resume her training.
“Thanks to everyone who helped. I’m in very good shape right now. No damage and no injuries during the match. When I return to Korea, I think I will be able to prepare for the [semifinals] right away. I will come back with a better image,” she wrote on an Instagram post.
But there are several people who believe Denice “Lycan Queen” Zamboanga should have been given the nod, including her.
The Filipina also shared her thoughts on an Instagram post and discussed her next steps.
Stamp Fairtex Vs. Alyona Rassohyna
Thai megastar Stamp Fairtex earned her redemption when she defeated Ukrainian grappling sensation Alyona Rassohyna by split decision in their rematch.
Although Stamp will advance to the ONE Women’s Atomweight World Grand Prix semifinals, she wasn’t entirely thrilled with her big win. She felt she could have done better.
Itsuki Hirata Vs. Alyse Anderson
Itsuki “Android 18” Hirata kept her spotless record intact by defeating promotional newcomer Alyse “Lil’ Savage” Anderson in their ONE Women’s Atomweight World Grand Prix quarterfinal bout via unanimous decision.
Just hours removed from the matchup, both athletes critiqued their performances and shared their immediate thoughts.
Anissa Meksen Vs. Cristina Morales
Following her second-round TKO victory, French kickboxing superstar Anissa “C18” Meksen had a simple message for the promotion’s global fan base.
Jackie Buntan Vs. Daniela Lopez
After her decisive unanimous decision win, Filipina-American phenom Jackie Buntan thanked her supporters and talked about the impact this groundbreaking event could have on the new generation.
Julie Mezabarba Vs. Mei Yamaguchi
Julie Mezabarba made a statement when she defeated former two-time ONE World Title challenger Mei “V.V” Yamaguchi to earn her spot as an alternate in the ONE Women’s Atomweight World Grand Prix.
The Brazilian rising star was humble in victory, and she is excited for the next step in her career.
Though she lost in the opening bout of the night, the Japanese veteran offered her reflections, thanked her fans, and kept a positive mindset.
Read more: ONE: EMPOWER – Live Results And Highlights For Every Fight
