3 MMA Athletes We’d Love To See in the ONE Openweight Muay Thai World Grand Prix

The ONE Openweight Muay Thai World Grand Prix has been making headlines since ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong announced it on January 12. Described as “the greatest Grand Prix in the history of Muay Thai,” the tournament will feature 16 of the best strikers on the planet, who will vie for a chance to claim the silver strap and a US$1,000,000 grand prize.

There is yet to be any further news regarding entrants, but striking fans across the world have begun to speculate about who will take part in the illustrious striking showcase.

ONE has insisted that any fighter in any weight division will be considered, and here we break down three MMA fighters that would make things interesting if they were included in the ONE Openweight Muay Thai World Grand Prix.

#1 Tang Kai 

ONE Featherweight World Champion Tang Kai is an absolute striking machine, which makes him a genuine contender for the Grand Prix. Tang’s quick movements in and out of range can trick the best athletes.

And when he rips through his rivals’ defenses, he unloads like a workhorse, often finding success with his trademark jab-overhand combination. 

READ MORE – “My Goal Right Now Is to Stay in the Flyweight Division and Claim the Kickboxing Title” – Rodtang Focused on Scooping Second Strap

If his fists need a recharge, China’s first-ever MMA World Champion knows how to use his legs to score as well. These would all come in handy if he participates in the epic tournament.

#2 Roberto Soldic

Power and knockouts – these are two things that will play a major role when the 16-man Grand Prix gets underway later this year. And if one man has displayed both on his way to the top, it’s Roberto “Robocop” Soldic. 

The Croatian fighter has a crazy amount of power in his fists, and he knows how to finish a fight with one punch. Fans have been waiting to see Soldic’s fire inside the Circle, and he just might be able to give some of the best Muay Thai strikers in ONE a run for their money.

#3 Fabricio Andrade

Who better to include in the Grand Prix than top-ranked bantamweight contender Fabricio “Wonder Boy” Andrade? After all, the Brazilian firecracker has been shutting down opponents for fun with his striking in MMA. Andrade has impressed the world with his attacking style, and that all-out approach has allowed him to register some huge wins in his short yet fulfilling tenure in ONE.

Of course, there’s more to him than just his victories. “Wonder Boy’s” knowledge of the game, footwork, head movement, and stamina is improving with every fight, making him a genuine star across the board.

READ MORE – Seksan Or. Kwanmuang Walks Away With $50,000 and a Decision Win at ONE Championship’s Inaugural Friday Fights 1

The Tiger Muay Thai standout will vie for the vacant ONE Bantamweight World Title against former divisional king John “Hands of Stone” Lineker at ONE Fight Night 7 in February.

But after taking on that challenge, Andrade may be open to taking part in the ONE Openweight Muay Thai World Grand Prix.