ONE Championship News
Stamp Fairtex broke through bullying and gender stereotypes to become two-sport champ
BJPENN.COM Staff - January 2, 2020
Growing up, Stamp Fairtex was constantly pestered by bullies. Stamp described herself as a “tiny” child. Growing up in Rayong, Thailand. Her size made her an easy target for her classmates. This pushed the now two-sport champ to find solace in Muay Thai and ultimately paved her way to ONE Championship.
Looking back on a triumphant year from Aung La N Sang
BJPENN.COM Staff - December 30, 2019
For the first time since 2015, Aung La N Sang didn’t compete three times, but the reigning ONE Middleweight and Light Heavyweight World Champion still had a banner year in 2019. As we await the announcement of “The Burmese Python’s” first bout of 2020, let’s take a moment to look back at what he accomplished in 2019.
Vitor Belfort calls for the 'most anticipated rematch that will ever happen' against Wanderlei Silva
Cole Shelton - December 27, 2019
Vitor Belfort wants to rematch Wanderlei Silva. The two fought back in October of 1998 at UFC Brazil where it was Belfort who won by first round TKO. Since then, Silva became the Pride champion while Belfort won the UFC’s light heavyweight championship and both have gone their own ways.
The biggest MMA stories of 2019
Natasha Hooper - December 26, 2019
2019 was a rollercoaster ride for the world of MMA, featuring plenty of ups and downs. As the year draws to a close, BJPENN.com looks back on 10 of the biggest MMA stories of 2019, from the good to the bad to the downright ugly.
Potential opponents for Sage Northcutt's ONE Championship return
BJPENN.COM Staff - December 24, 2019
A mature athlete and person understands and is realistic about their limitations. They also know that there are multiple definitions of greatness. Sage Northcutt is displaying such maturity and spirit of conscientiousness in his recent career decision. After falling short in his ONE Championship debut against experienced Brazilian striker Cosmo Alexandre at welterweight, Northcutt has decided to return to his original weight class at 155 pounds.
Eddie Alvarez argues against UFC title shots for Jose Aldo, Conor McGregor
Tom Taylor - December 19, 2019
Eddie Alvarez isn’t a big fan of way the UFC is handing out title shots these days. Specifically, the current ONE Championship lightweight contender is against potential title shots for Jose Aldo and Conor McGregor. Aldo, who is the former UFC featherweight champion, made his debut in the bantamweight division at UFC 245, losing a controversial decision to Alvarez’s teammate Marlon Moraes. Despite this loss, he’s been targeted by UFC bantamweight champ Henry Cejudo, and UFC President Dana White seems interested in booking a title fight between the two.
Eddie Alvarez outlines the difference between ONE Championship and the UFC
Tom Taylor - December 19, 2019
Eddie Alvarez is now one year and two fights into his ONE Championship career. From the sounds of it, the former UFC and Bellator lightweight champion has enjoyed his time with the Singapore-based promotion. Alvarez discussed his time with ONE Championship, and how it differs from his time with the UFC, at Wednesday’s game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Miami Heat.
Honorio Banario looks back at year of losses as year of learning
BJPENN.COM Staff - December 17, 2019
Former ONE Featherweight World Champion Honorio Banario has a few realizations as the year comes to a close. The 30-year-old competed thrice this year but unfortunately, he came up short in all three bouts. Banario, a seasoned veteran, took these losses as lessons that would help him reclaim victory the next time he enters the ring.
Miesha Tate makes her pick for the GOAT of women's MMA
Tom Taylor - December 10, 2019
Who is the greatest female MMA fighter of all time? In the eyes of former UFC bantamweight champion Miesha Tate, who is one of the most accomplished female fighters ever herself, that’s “an easy pick” to make. In Tate’s eyes, there’s no question that the GOAT of women’s MMA is reigning UFC bantamweight and featherweight champion Amanda Nunes.
Ryuto Sawada left wrestling to pursue a career as a mixed martial artist
BJPENN.COM Staff - December 4, 2019
Ever since Ryuto Sawada stepped into the ONE Championship ring last year, he has claimed nothing but victories. Sawada won all three of his matches since his promotional debut. Now, Sawada is aiming to continue his winning streak against South African Bokang Masunyane at ONE: Mark of Greatness. The two go head-to-head at the Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 6 December.
Jihin Radzuan is determined to make a statement against Denice Zamboanga
BJPENN.COM Staff - December 2, 2019
In her first two years on the ONE Championship roster, Malaysia’s Jihin Radzuan has turned in thrilling performances in all of her bouts. She owns a professional record of five wins with only one loss, including two wins by submission and one by knockout. This Friday, 6 December, at the Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur, Radzuan returns to action at ONE: Mark of Greatness opposite the Philippines’ Denice “The Fairtex Menace” Zamboanga.
Alaverdi Ramazanov is laser-focused on capturing the ONE title
BJPENN.COM Staff - December 2, 2019
Like many other athletes, 25-year-old Alaverdi Ramazanov dreams of becoming a World Champion. In just a few days, that dream will be within his reach. The only man standing in his way is China’s Zhang Chenglong, whom he will face on December 6 for the inaugural ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Championship.