This Friday, December 20, the historic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, will play host to one of the year’s most talent-packed and intriguing all-striking fight cards.

Topped by a must-watch main event between a legend and a rising star, ONE Friday Fights 92: Sitthichai vs. Shadow features 12 kickboxing and Muay Thai bouts, all designed to produce white-knuckle action.

With a blend of established veterans and dangerous up-and-comers competing on the bill, every matchup could produce a barnburner.

Here, we look at three contests that have the potential to outshine the rest at ONE Friday Fights 92.

#1 Yodnumchai Vs. Songchainoi

In atomweight Muay Thai action, young Thai phenoms Yodnumchai Fairtex and Songchainoi Kiatsongrit will each look to hand the other man his first defeat in ONE.

At just 20 years old, Yodnumchai is already a veteran of more than 80 professional bouts, including a sterling 6-0 record at ONE Friday Fights.

He’s used his hard-hitting boxing attack, granite chin, and relentless pacing to earn legions of fans and establish himself as one of his country’s most dangerous rising stars.

Songchainoi, though, has looked equally impressive since joining ONE.

The powerful 24-year-old is 7-0 in the world’s largest martial arts organization, showcasing a well-rounded and fearless style – along with a penchant for brawling – that should make for an explosive encounter with Yodnumchai.

#2 Panpayak Vs. Egor Bikrev

Decorated Thai superstar “The Angel Warrior” Panpayak Jitmuangnon will continue his quest for the vacant ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title when he squares off with undefeated Russian phenom Egor Bikrev.

A former seven-time Muay Thai World Champion renowned for his crispy-clean technique, Panpayak returned from a two-year layoff earlier this year, dominating Silviu Vitez with beautiful combinations en route to a decision win.

However, the 28-year-old has a dangerous challenge ahead of him.

Bikrev arrived at ONE with an unblemished professional record and high expectations, and he quickly lived up to the hype with a blistering first-round finish of Thai standout Gingsanglek Wor Kumchamnarn at ONE Friday Fights 86.

The 22-year-old is now getting the opportunity of a lifetime against Panpayak, and fans should buckle up for a firefight.

#3 Anissa Meksen Vs. Kana

All-time kickboxing great Anissa “C18” Meksen will aim to give a rude welcome to promotional newcomer Kana “Krusher Queen” Morimoto in an atomweight kickboxing tilt between two of the sport’s most well-known fighters.

After dropping closely contested decisions in a pair of ONE World Title bouts, the 36-year-old Meksen is hungry to prove that she still has the speedy combination striking and nimble footwork to compete among the best of the best in ONE.

For her part, Kana is a Japanese fighting icon beloved for her show-stopping knockout power.

A former K-1 Champion, the 32-year-old’s debut in ONE – against a legendary opponent, no less – has fans eager with excitement to see her in action.

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On March 23, 2025, ONE Championship will touch down at Saitama Super Arena in Japan with a blockbuster fight card featuring the planet’s biggest and best martial arts superstars.

The main event of ONE 172 will see two of striking’s top generational talents throw down, as former long-reigning ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon will collide with former three-division K-1 Champion Takeru “The Natural Born Crusher” Segawa in a five-round flyweight kickboxing super-fight.

The lineup will also pit former flyweight MMA king Adriano “Mikhino” Moraes against surging Japanese star Yuya “Little Piranha” Wakamatsu in a rematch for the vacant ONE Flyweight MMA World Title.

Thai fan favorite Rodtang and Japanese icon Takeru were initially slated to face off in early 2024, but when Rodtang suffered an injury during training camp, the hotly anticipated battle fell through.

With both men now healthy and hungry to settle the score, the stage is set for a dramatic showdown.

In one corner, Rodtang might be the world’s most beloved striker. Renowned for his inimitable charisma, super-human durability, and fearless approach to combat, the 27-year-old has won all but one of his 17 striking bouts in ONE.

In his most recent kickboxing appearance, “The Iron Man” proved he’s much more than a Muay Thai fighter, dismantling veteran Denis “The Bosnian Menace” Puric in one of the year’s most electrifying and unforgettable battles.

Rodtang has made it no small secret that he wants to share the ring with Takeru, and he’ll get his wish on March 23.

For his part, Takeru has done plenty over the course of his professional career to cement himself as one of kickboxing’s all-time greats.

In addition to his trio of belts in K-1, “The Natural Born Crusher” is a former ISKA Kickboxing World Champion who once enjoyed an absurd seven-year unbeaten streak that paved the way for his climb to ONE Championship.

Takeru was originally slated to square off with Rodtang in his promotional debut, but he ended up challenging current two-sport, two-weight ONE World Champion Superlek Kiatmoo9 at ONE 165. While he would drop a decision to “The Kicking Machine” that night, the Japanese striker showcased elite talent and incredible heart.

Since then, the 33-year-old has bounced back to the win column with a thrilling knockout victory over Myanmar hero Thant Zin in September at ONE Friday Fights 81.

Simply put, the clash between Rodtang and Takeru at ONE 172 represents perhaps the biggest kickboxing fight in recent memory – a fitting spectacle to headline what already has the makings of a massive event.

Also on the card, Moraes and Wakamatsu will battle for 26 pounds of flyweight MMA gold.

Following the retirement of former titleholder Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson earlier this year, that throne now sits vacant, and both top contenders are motivated to take their place atop the division.

Moraes is no stranger to high-stakes World Title fights, winning the flyweight MMA belt eight times over the course of his incredible 10-year career in ONE Championship.

One of his successful World Title defenses came in 2022 at ONE X against Wakamatsu. That night, the Brazilian leaned heavily on his veteran savvy and elite ground game en route to a third-round submission victory.

But since then, “Little Piranha” has gained valuable experience against top-flight competition and will come into this matchup riding a three-fight winning streak that’s earned him the #2 spot in the flyweight MMA rankings.

Given their history and his foe’s long and storied career, Wakamatsu is bracing for an all-out war against #1-ranked Moraes at ONE 172.

Check onefc.com for all the news and announcements about ONE 172: Takeru vs. Rodtang on March 23.

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This Friday in Asia primetime, ONE Championship will return to the historic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, for one of the biggest all-striking cards in recent memory.

ONE Friday Fights 92: Sitthichai vs. Shadow features 12 intriguing Muay Thai and kickboxing matchups and will showcase both established global superstars and dangerous young talents on the rise.

From the event’s explosive opening bout all the way up to the high-stake headline attraction, the lineup is loaded with fights that are sure to draw the attention of fans around the world.

These are five reasons why ONE Friday Fights 92 is a can’t-miss event.

#1 Featherweight Striking GOATs Return

Two of the best featherweight strikers in history will be competing in Bangkok.

First, former three-time Glory Kickboxing World Champion and current #2-ranked featherweight kickboxing contender Marat Grigorian will square off with Moroccan knockout artist Abdelali “Black Diamond” Zahidi in a kickboxing tilt.

At 33 years old, the heavy-handed Grigorian is still hunting for 26 pounds of ONE Championship gold – which would be the most prestigious prize in his jam-packed trophy case.

He’ll aim to bolster his lengthy highlight reel with a strong performance against Zahidi, who will come into the contest fresh off a sensational knockout win in his promotional debut at ONE Friday Fights 88.

In the main event, decorated Thai superstar Sitthichai “Killer Kid” Sitsongpeenong will battle compatriot Shadow Singha Mawynn in a Muay Thai bout that promises fireworks.

An eight-time Muay Thai and Kickboxing World Champion – and currently a top-five contender in ONE’s featherweight Muay Thai and kickboxing divisions – Sitthichai has been a mainstay of the elite striking scene for well over a decade.

His terrifying power and veteran savvy will be tested against a master technician and hungry rising star in Shadow, who is still aiming to win a six-figure contract with ONE’s global roster.

#2 Panpayak Continues His Charge Toward The Top

After a two-year layoff, seven-time Muay Thai World Champion “The Angel Warrior” Panpayak Jitmuangon made his celebrated return to action earlier this year, earning a dominant decision win over Silviu Vitez.

The Thai striking icon hopes to keep the ball rolling and continue his climb toward a shot at the vacant ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title when he takes on undefeated Russian knockout artist Egor Bikrev.

In his last fight prior to his stay on the sidelines, Panpayak dropped a narrow split decision against current two-sport, two-division kingpin and #2-ranked flyweight Muay Thai contender Superlek Kiatmoo9.

“The Angel Warrior” knows that victory over a dangerous brawler like Bikrev would do wonders for his World Title aspirations – and could earn him a long-awaited rematch with “The Kicking Machine.”

#3 Masaaki Noiri’s Chance To Back Up The Hype

In June at ONE 167, Japanese fan favorite Masaaki Noiri made his hotly anticipated ONE debut when he went toe-to-toe with Sitthichai.

While the 31-year-old superstar came up short on the judges’ scorecards after three fast-paced rounds, he did enough to prove that he belongs with the best of the best.

Noiri, though, isn’t satisfied with simply belonging. At ONE Friday Fights 92, he’ll look to prove that the hype is justified when he battles Chinese debutant Liu Mengyang in a featherweight kickboxing scrap.

This will be Noiri’s chance to show fans around the globe what makes him so special, live up to the lofty expectations, and make his mark in the world’s largest martial arts organization.

#4 Kana Finally Faces Anissa Meksen In ONE Debut

Two of the best kickboxers the sport has ever seen will throw down in an atomweight affair, as decorated legend Anissa “C18” Meksen faces former K-1 Champion and promotional newcomer Kana “Krusher Queen” Morimoto.

Each woman is bringing a wealth of high-level experience and top-tier striking skills into this matchup, which has kickboxing enthusiasts salivating with anticipation.

Adding to the drama, both Meksen and Kana have made it clear that they’ve wanted this fight for a while, and on December 20, these striking icons will finally share the ring.

#5 Elbrus Osmanov Aims For Six-Figure Contract

In the event’s opening contest, undefeated Russian prodigy Elbrus “The Samurai” Osmanov will try to win a coveted six-figure contract and a spot on ONE’s global roster when he clashes with British scrapper Nathan Bendon.

The 23-year-old Osmanov has been on a tear since making his ONE Friday Fights debut, posting five consecutive wins in the bantamweight kickboxing division.

Those impressive victories – coupled with his all-action approach to combat – have earned him legions of fans and cemented him as a contender to watch.

If he can keep his perfect record intact and get past the tough-as-nails Bendon this Friday, Osmanov could soon be competing on ONE’s global roster in U.S. primetime.

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Two of kickboxing’s most decorated competitors are set to throw down at ONE Friday Fights 92: Sitthichai vs. Shadow, as former ONE World Title challenger Anissa “C18” Meksen takes on Japanese icon Kana “Krusher Queen” Morimoto in an atomweight bout that’s been years in the making.

That showdown will take place this Friday, December 20, in Asia primetime at the legendary Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

Given each woman’s ample experience at the world-class level and their incredible technical abilities, fans should buckle up for a beautiful display of well-rounded and explosive striking.

These are each fighter’s biggest keys to victory.

#1 Meksen’s Endless Combination Striking

If there’s one single trait that defines Meksen’s legendary game, it’s her dynamic and relentless combination striking.

Whether she’s stringing together kicks into punches or punches into kicks, “C18” rarely throws the same combination twice, always keeping her opponents guessing and disoriented.

These unpredictable combinations, coupled with her absurdly fast pacing, should pay dividends against Kana.

While the Japanese athlete is an undeniably elite talent, defense is not her strongest suit, and Meksen will look to dismantle her relatively loose and open guard with an onslaught of combinations.

#2 Kana’s Show-Stopping Power

A former four-time K-1 Champion, Kana has proven time and time again to be one of kickboxing’s most devastating pound-for-pound knockout artists. That massive power – in both her hands and feet – should play a pivotal role in her much-anticipated ONE debut.

Despite her diminutive size, “Krusher Queen” is a certified heavy hitter, boasting highlight-reel finishes in each of her last four victories.

Fans can expect to see Kana take her time early before loading up on big shots as the fight progresses. And if any of those blows land, she might become the first woman to stop the French-Algerian star in nearly 10 years.

#3 Meksen’s Dynamic Kicking Game

At 36 years old and a seven-time Muay Thai and Kickboxing World Champion before joining ONE, Meksen is continuing to evolve as a fighter. In recent years, she’s developed a complex and hard-to-read kicking game that blends a wide variety of lower-body strikes.

The hallmark of her kicking arsenal is its versatility. “C18” is equally dangerous with traditional round kicks to the legs and body as she is with more exotic techniques like the question mark kick.

What’s more, she often strings her kicks together in unique combinations – an approach that should work well against the relatively stationary Kana.

#4 Kana’s Body Shots

If she wants to slow down or even finish her foe at ONE Friday Fights 92, “Krusher Queen” should do exactly what she’s done throughout her decorated career – invest heavily in body work.

The 32-year-old loves to rip big hooks to the ribs and unleash soul-stealing body kicks. Sometimes, these big body shots lead to the knockout blow upstairs, but given her incredible power, they can also end the fight on their own.

Against the speedy and fleet-footed Meksen, Kana should go to the body early and often.

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After a two-year stint on the sidelines, “The Angel Warrior” Panpayak Jitmuangnon’s comeback tour is now in full swing.

On December 20 at ONE Friday Fights 92, the decorated Thai star will square off with unbeaten Russian knockout artist Egor Bikrev in a flyweight Muay Thai clash at the historic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

A former seven-time Muay Thai World Champion renowned for his incredible technical prowess and dangerous counter-striking, Panpayak returned to the world’s largest martial arts organization earlier this year, earning a clear-cut decision win over Romanian brawler Silviu Vitez at ONE Friday Fights 83.

The 28-year-old hopes to keep that momentum going, but he’ll face a stiff test in Bikrev. The Russian boasts an unblemished professional record and will come into the contest following a spectacular first-round knockout of Gingsanglek Wor Kumchamnarn in his promotional debut.

Without a lot of information to work with, Panpayak told onefc.com that he’ll have to formulate his tactics on the fly:

“From what I see, [Bikrev’s] strength is his punching speed. Russian fighters are skilled at punching. As for his weakness, because his last match ended so quickly, I can’t see any.”

Panpayak might be struggling to find footage on the 22-year-old rising star, but he’s nonetheless doing everything in his power to prepare for this matchup.

To that end, “The Angel Warrior” has been training at Phuket Fight Club – home to a number of top Russian strikers who can mimic Bikrev’s boxing-heavy style.

Among his Russian training partners is #3-ranked bantamweight Muay Thai contender Kiamran Nabati:

“Training at Phuket Fight Club is great. I get to train directly with Russian athletes. I get help from Kiamran in terms of my boxing development, and the training system is based on international standards with sports science added.”

When he goes toe-to-toe with Bikrev, the Thai legend will lean heavily on the veteran savvy he’s honed over the course of his nearly 300-fight career.

He doesn’t yet know if his advantage will be in the clinch or at long range, and whether he should press forward or wait to counter-strike.

Instead, Panpayak plans to see what Bikrev gives him and react accordingly – and if the knockout is available, he’ll take it:

“If I have the chance, I will knock him out, but it’s all about chance and luck. I think he will come at me and start throwing punches at me. I don’t have a clear game plan because I’m going to figure it out in the ring.”

Panpayak ‘Confident’ He Will Face Superlek Again

While Panpayak Jitmuangnon is currently focused on Egor Bikrev at ONE Friday Fights 92, he’s finding himself fielding questions about a potential clash against longtime rival and current two-sport, two-weight kingpin Superlek “The Kicking Machine” Kiatmoo9.

The Thai icons have fought eight times across their iconic careers – including twice in ONE Championship – with Superlek winning a narrow split decision in their last matchup before Panpayak’s long layoff.

For his part, Panpayak is sure they will square off once again, but for now, he’s still kicking off the ring rust:

“I’m not at my best right now, but I’m confident that we’ll meet again in the future. I think I’ll be Superlek’s toughest opponent if I can get back into my best form.”

Superlek is the reigning ONE Flyweight Kickboxing and Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion, as well as the #2-ranked flyweight Muay Thai contender.

While some fans want Panpayak to move up in weight for a showdown, he said that he won’t compete at bantamweight anytime soon, as he plans to continue aiming for the flyweight Muay Thai belt:

“It’s a bad idea for me to go up to the bantamweight division right now. Because if I do, I’ll be at a huge weight disadvantage. So forget about a rematch with Superlek in the bantamweight division. I can’t do it right now. But maybe in the future.

“Right now, I’m going to focus on fighting and chasing success in the flyweight division.”

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Decorated Thai superstar Sitthichai “Killer Kid” Sitsongpeenong is eager to take on a new generation of top strikers, and he’s not looking to be anybody’s stepping stone.

On December 20 in Asia primetime, the hard-hitting veteran will face surging 24-year-old phenom Shadow Singha Mawynn in a pivotal featherweight Muay Thai clash in the main event of ONE Friday Fights 92 at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

As the #3-ranked featherweight Muay Thai contender who finds himself knocking on the door of a coveted World Title shot, Sitthichai knows he has plenty to lose against the young prodigy.

But never one to back away from a challenge, “Killer Kid” told onefc.com that he’s looking forward to battling one of the sport’s most intriguing talents:

“I decided to accept this fight because I want to prove myself against a rising star. I want to prove that I have maintained my skills. It’s a big challenge, so I decided to accept the fight offer.”

Indeed, Shadow represents a serious test.

He’ll come into the contest riding a three-fight winning streak that includes a sterling decision win over Mohammad Siasarani – the last man to defeat Sitthichai under Muay Thai rules.

Given that history, the 33-year-old Sitthichai is prepared for an all-out war. He’s anxious to show that his veteran savvy, honed over the course of his incredible 169-fight professional career, will be too much for his younger foe to handle:

“I was very excited when I found out I was going to fight against Shadow. I’m glad to fight him. He’s in hot form. He’s a great fighter. I want to prove that I can use all of my life experience to go blow-for-blow.”

Sitthichai admits that the Singha Mawynn product could hold some physical advantages, whether it’s his stamina, show-stopping power, or durability.

Still, the former eight-time Kickboxing and Muay Thai World Champion is confident that he’ll be the speedier athlete on fight night and can capitalize on his massive edge in experience.

“Killer Kid” added:

“I think he has more endurance and a bit more powerful weapons than me, but I should be faster. He may be slower, but he is tough, resilient, and always aggressive. I will use my experience and speed to fight him.”

“I think my advantage over Shadow is my experience. I have fought much more than him with many different types of opponents. He just came up. And my movement is faster than him because I’ve been fighting for a long time. That should be one thing that gives me an advantage over him.”

Sitthichai: ‘Muay Thai Is In My Blood’

While Sitthichai Sitsongpeenon’s experience in high-level kickboxing might have sharpened his reflexes and improved his speed, some fans are wondering if he can still hang with the best of the best in Muay Thai.

A former multiple-time Glory Kickboxing World Champion, “Killer Kid” hasn’t competed in Muay Thai since September 2023.

Despite his time away from “the art of eight limbs,” he’s quick to point out that he has decades of ring time in the sport, starting from a very young age:

“Many people may think that I am only good in kickboxing rules, but the fact is I grew up with Muay Thai. I have been a Muay Thai fighter my whole life. And I combine Muay Thai techniques with kickboxing.

“Actually, Muay Thai is my main discipline, but when I went to kickboxing, there were just some weapons that I couldn’t use. I trained and adapted to fit the rules that I competed in. Muay Thai has always run through my veins, so I don’t have to adapt much.”

Ultimately, Sitthichai said it doesn’t matter if he faces Shadow Singha Mawynn in kickboxing or Muay Thai – he’s ready to put his best foot forward and emerge victorious at ONE Friday Fights 92:

“It’s true that I have vast experience in kickboxing, but Muay Thai is in my blood. The two rules are not very different. I am ready to fight him, no matter which rules.”

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ONE 170 keeps getting better and better, and a pair of intriguing Muay Thai showdowns have been added to the blockbuster event at Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.

On January 24 in Asia primetime, surging bantamweight contenders Nabil Anane and Kiamran Nabati will collide in a bantamweight fight with World Title implications, while young phenom Freddie Haggerty will face promotional newcomer Jordan Estupinan in a flyweight tilt between rising stars.

Still just 20 years old, the towering Anane has solidified himself as Muay Thai’s most exciting young talent.

After falling to current two-sport, two-weight ONE World Champion Superlek Kiatmoo9 in his promotional debut, the Thai-Algerian prodigy has rattled off five consecutive victories to earn the #5 bantamweight Muay Thai contender spot.

Anane’s meteoric rise includes wins over two-time ONE World Title challenger Felipe Lobo, former Lumpinee Stadium Muay Thai World Champion Muangthai PK Saenchai, and lethwei legend Soe Lin Oo.

He hopes to keep the ball rolling and punch his ticket to a shot at gold, but standing in his way is #3-ranked bantamweight Muay Thai contender Nabati.

The Russian powerhouse arrived at ONE with a pristine 18-0 professional record and has done nothing but win since then.

Through four appearances in the world’s largest martial arts organization, the 30-year-old has employed his savage boxing attack to beat some of Thailand’s finest strikers, including former two-time Lumpinee Stadium Muay Thai World Champion Pongsiri PK Saenchai and former longtime ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Nong-O Hama.

Nabati’s hard-hitting, all-action style will be put to the test against the long-range weaponry and vicious clinch game of the towering Anane.

And with Superlek slated to defend his bantamweight Muay Thai gold against #2-ranked contender Nico Carrillo later at ONE 170, the winner between Nabati and Anane will make his case to be the next challenger up.

Lower on the card, Haggerty and Estupinan will each look to follow in the footsteps of their superstar brothers and cement themselves as a true threat in the flyweight Muay Thai division.

The 20-year-old Haggerty is the younger brother to reigning ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion Jonathan Haggerty, and he’s looked nothing short of dominant through three appearances at the ONE Friday Fights event series.

The young Englishman has employed his shocking power, well-rounded skill set, and savage finishing instincts to rack up three straight knockout victories in the strawweight Muay Thai division.

Estupinan, meanwhile, is the twin brother to undefeated Colombian fan favorite Johan Estupinan, who will also be competing on the card.

If the 22-year-old fights anything like his high-flying and unorthodox older brother, fans can expect an electrifying battle at ONE 170 when he makes his hotly anticipated debut on the global stage.

Keep checking onefc.com for all the news and announcements about ONE 170 on January 24.

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Moroccan knockout artist Abdelali “Black Diamond” Zahidi believes he is poised to defeat one of kickboxing’s most legendary figures at ONE Friday Fights 92: Sitthichai vs. Shadow.

On December 20 in Asia primetime, the 25-year-old rising star will square off with #2-ranked featherweight kickboxing contender Marat Grigorian at the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

For Zahidi, the fight represents a career-defining opportunity – the chance to prove he’s one of the planet’s best strikers, crash the divisional rankings, and put himself knocking on the door of a coveted World Title shot.

“Black Diamond” isn’t intimidated by the moment. Quite the opposite, he’s confident that he possesses the game plan and tools needed to overcome the former three-time Glory Kickboxing World Champion.

He told onefc.com:

“Facing Marat is not just another fight, but a chance to prove that I am the best. Grigorian is strong and has great experience, but I think he relies on one fighting style. I hope I can use this to my advantage.”

The Tocayah Fight Club representative is well aware that Grigorian is a devastating, forward-marching puncher who will take advantage of any small opening he sees.

But Zahidi insists that he won’t be bullied by the Armenian. Instead, he plans to put his foe on the back foot while showcasing his overall technical prowess:

“My game plan is to apply constant pressure on him, and I’ll be moving quickly and doing technical work to neutralize his fighting style and make it inefficient.”

A triumph over a decorated fighter like Grigorian would turn Zahidi into an overnight sensation.

Now just days away from the biggest opportunity of his 29-fight professional career, the Moroccan said that he’s more than ready to make waves at ONE Friday Fights 92:

“A win against Grigorian will put me in a place where I cannot be ignored on the world stage. A win will open the door for me to realize bigger dreams.

“The fight will end with my name announced as the winner. My plan is to capture a win that will amaze everyone.”

Zahidi Shares Aspirations Of Superstardom

Although he’s just one fight into his ONE Championship tenure, Abdelali Zahidi already has visions of fame and acclaim on the global stage of martial arts.

In his promotional debut this past November at ONE Friday Fights 88, he displayed an electrifying style of striking and show-stopping power en route to a head-kick knockout of Myanmar hero Tun Min Aung.

Zahidi spoke about that performance:

“I am very happy with my first win via KO. But there is always room for improvement, especially in defense.”

Moving forward, he hopes to cement himself as a true icon of the striking arts and put Morocco on the map as a combat sports powerhouse.

His climb toward stardom now runs through a matchup with all-time kickboxing great Marat Grigorian this Friday:

“My objective is to become the face of combat sports. I want to prove that Moroccan fighters can leave a unique, unforgettable mark on kickboxing.”

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Kana “Krusher Queen” Morimoto will soon make her hotly anticipated ONE debut against a fellow kickboxing icon, and she’s leaving no stone unturned in her preparations.

On December 20 in Asia primetime, the 32-year-old knockout artist will square off with legendary French-Algerian veteran Anissa “C18” Meksen in an atomweight kickboxing bout at ONE Friday Fights 92: Sitthichai vs. Shadow.

That three-round clash will go down in front of a packed house at Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium.

Even though Kana will be making her promotional debut, she said it’s Meksen who will be feeling the heat in this pivotal matchup. After a long and storied career, “C18” is entering the contest following back-to-back ONE World Title defeats.

With that in mind, Kana told onefc.com that she expects her opponent to be fighting with her back against the wall:

“I’m training assuming I’ll face Anissa at her best. Given where she is in her career, she’s in a high-pressure situation, so I think she’ll desperately fight for the win. Given that, I’m preparing to face the strongest version of Anissa.”

For her part, “Krusher Queen” is a four-time K-1 Champion renowned for the shocking power she carries in her punches and kicks.

Now honing her skills in Thailand at Superbon Training Camp, she has carefully studied Meksen’s style and believes she’s identified a winning game plan:

“I’ve finally started to see clear paths to victory against Anissa, and these patterns are coming together in training, so I feel the preparation is going well.”

As always, Kana will be gunning for the finish.

With highlight-reel knockouts in each of her last four victories, the Japanese superstar is confident she can be the first woman in more than nine years to stop Meksen.

She added:

“I’ve prepared weapons that can drop her with either punches or kicks. If they land cleanly, I believe I can finish her. While there are things we won’t know until fight day, I’m well prepared.”

Kana Drawing From Experience Of Thai Trainers

Well aware of the massive opportunity and serious challenge ahead of her, Kana Morimoto has sought out new coaches and partners at Bangkok’s Superbon Training Camp.

She’s still working with Japanese trainers, as well, but said her Thai team has helped round out her already elite kickboxing game:

“I’ll have my usual corner team from Japan plus the Thai trainers. We’re sharing information about sparring situations and movement patterns. The strategy part remains unchanged from before, but now with added knowledge from the Thai trainers.”

Beyond adding new wrinkles to her style, “Krusher Queen” said that her Thai trainers are helping her prepare specifically for ONE’s global kickboxing rule set and judging, which places a great deal of emphasis on damage inflicted.

She explained:

“The Thai trainers are really specialized in ONE and are familiar with watching ONE fights and understanding their rule criteria, so that adds another positive element.”

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