When it comes to unfinished business, John Lineker and Fabricio Andrade have had enough. This heated rivalry came to a head in October last year when the pair first met – and boasted about bantamweight rights. A no-contest after Andrade’s stiff shot in the groin only added fuel to her fire and now we can turn things back on. With the world bantamweight title expected to explode in this one.
A Muay Thai master class
When Tawanchai PK.Saenchai steps into the circle with Jamal Yusupov, we’ll see two of the world’s best in action. Muay Thai featherweight champion Tawanchai will put his title on the line against the second-ranked fighter, a man who grew up in the harsh environment of Dagestan but is now representing Turkey. Yusupov has won all three of his ONE matches, while Tawanchai is on a three-fight win streak – with two impressive KOs in the process.
Kelly is aiming for the stars
When it comes to fighters expected to rise fast in 2023, place Danielle Kelly in that category. The American is elite when it comes to BJJ, and her catchweight submission grappling match against Akaya Miura is just the test she needs to start the year. She was extremely impressive when she submitted world sambo champion Mariia Molchanova last time out – and bagged a $50,000 bonus in the process. Kelly is aiming for a world title this year, and that’s the next rung on the ladder.
Legend wants to get back on track
Martin Nguyen’s legacy is already secured. The first-ever two-division world champion in ONE is an absolute grandmaster—but he’ll be looking to get his name back up the victories column. He may have lost three of his last four, but he’s still fourth at the featherweight division, and at 33, time isn’t catching up with him. Next up for him is Shamil Gasanov. The Russian is just one spot behind Nguyen and looking to build on his ONE debut win last October.
A challenger wants a title shot
Number one bantamweight kickboxer Saemapetch Fairtex starts his 2023 campaign this month. 2022 certainly had its ups and downs for him, with a loss to rival Tawanchai being the most notable of the downs, but winning last time saw him back to the Victory Column. A win over Zhang Chenglong might not be seen as a statement win (Zhang has lost his last five bouts), but will instill another layer of confidence as he goes in pursuit of gold in 2023.
ONE Fight Night 7: Lineker v Andrade takes place on Saturday 25th February at 4:00am GST at the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok. This is a night not to be missed, so mark your calendars, download the ONE Super App and go to watch.onefc.com now!
