gold, gold, gold
From top to bottom, this is a loaded map and features an incredible three title fights to complete the event. Even more impressive is that each of these title fights will be fought in a different discipline, with the light heavyweight, light submission grappling and atomic weight Muay Thai world titles all at stake, making for an exciting and varied night in the Philippines.
Split Champion defends his crown
Dutchman Reinier de Ridder will put one of his two pieces of hardware on the line this weekend when he takes on Russia’s Anatoly Malykhin – himself the current interim heavyweight champion. De Ridder has a perfect 16-0 record, including four submission wins since joining ONE in 2019, and is the current middle-light heavyweight champion and will make his first LHW defense against the Kemerovo man . Malykhin is also unbeaten with an 11-0 record and has never left the second round with three impressive stoppages with his hands in his ONE career. This is a classic match between BJJ and Striking and will be a thriller for the fans.
Ruotolo defends his world title
Kade Ruotolo is back less than two months after becoming ONE’s first-ever Lightweight Submission Grappling World Champion and defending his belt. At just 19, Hawaii native Ruotolo was always considered a child prodigy, but now he has the title to underscore his spectacular skills. It took him just four minutes to win the title against Uali Kurzhev and he’s only been in ONE since May. His opponent is the multiple BJJ World Champion Matheus Gabriel from Brazil. With stunning technique and a desire to chase submissions, Gabriel Ruotolo could be his toughest task yet. You can also see Kade’s twin brother, Tye, in action on the lead card.
New mom jeopardizes her title
Most fighters have a reason for going into battle, for Allycia Hellen Rodrigues that reason is now much more obvious. After giving birth, the Brazilian says she’s hungrier than ever and will reach a new level of performance as she defends her Muay Thai atomicweight title against American Janet Todd. Rodrigues has not fought for more than two years but has spoken of her confidence that the birth will not change her physical capabilities. Todd is the interim champion in the division and also holds the world title in atomicweight kickboxing, so step into this fascinating fight with real pedigree.
A highly anticipated debut
Croatia’s Roberto Soldic makes his debut in the ONE Arena this weekend and fans around the world are very excited to see him in action. With a 20-3 record, he’s built a fearsome reputation in Europe and one look at his record will tell you why. Of those 20 wins, an incredible 17 came by KO or TKO, with two decisions and one assist to his name. This is an elite forward with devastating one-shot knockout power – blink and you’ll miss. Undefeated wrestler Murad Ramazanov has the task of welcoming Soldic to the welterweight division but will go into the fight with confidence given his 11-0 record and three wins in ONE.
ONE Fight Night 5: De Ridder vs Malykhin will be held on Saturday December 3rd at 5am GST at the Mall Of Asia Arena in Manila. This is a night not to be missed, so mark your calendars, download the ONE Super App and go to watch.onefc.com now!
