3 MMA Fights That Must Happen Inside the ONE Circle in 2023

The ONE Circle has been blessed with plenty of action over the past 12 months, which sets up an interesting 2023 for a number of MMA fighters who ply their trade in ONE Championship. 

There were some jaw-dropping knockouts that ensured the World Title shifted hands, quick finishes, and a number of intense fights that saw the final bell. All guaranteed excitement from start to finish.

As another year filled with events is set to take off with ONE Fight Night 6 on Prime Video next Friday, January 13, we take a look at three MMA fights that must take place inside the Circle before the end of 2023.

Here they are in no particular order.

#1 Tang Kai vs Thanh Le II

Tang Kai orchestrated a ruthless game plan to claim the ONE Featherweight World Title from Thanh Le’s grasps last year. But the American-Vietnamese ensured it was a fight until the very end.

Read more: Tang Kai Ready to Retire ‘Old’ Thanh Le: “I’ll KO Him”

Because of that, a rematch between the pair should take place within the next 12 months. 

Tang outclassed a plethora of fighters since his debut in January 2019, finishing all but one fight with knockouts. Le, on the other hand, has won all his battles in a similar fashion. 

When the two slugged it out at ONE 160 last year, Tang’s immense pressure and constant attacks ensured Le suffered his first promotional loss. 

And with the memories of that defeat still fresh within the former divisional king’s mind, he would love to prove to the Chinese superstar that the loss was a mere setback.

#2 Fabricio Andrade vs Stephen Loman

Fabricio “Wonder Boy” Andrade will have his hands busy in a ONE Bantamweight World Title rematch versus John “Hands of Stone” Lineker at ONE on Prime Video 7 in February. 

But once the Muay Thai stylist clears that out of the way, a hot contender should be next on his list. 

Enter Stephen “The Sniper” Loman, a Filippino fighter who has continued to impress throughout his tenure at the Singapore-based promotion. 

The 31-year-old made headlines when he picked apart Bibiano “The Flash” Fernandes over three rounds at ONE on Prime Video 4. In his past two outings, he earned a quick finish over Yusup “Maestro” Saadulaev and Shoko Sato.

Like Andrade, his bread and butter are his stand-up weapons. So expect them to put on a striking clinic if they lock horns inside the Circle this year.

#3 Roberto Soldic vs Christian Lee 

Roberto “Robocop” Soldic’s ONE debut may have been cut short after an unintentional shot, but fans can expect the Croat to pick himself up as soon as he gets his first fight contract in 2023. 

Soldic’s fists can instantly turn off lights, and he owns a solid grappling game to match up with his firepower upstairs. These weapons could get the better of some of the top welterweights in ONE.

Understandably, a shot versus divisional king Christian “The Warrior” Lee looks inevitable.

Read more: “I Plan on Defending Both Divisions” – Christian Lee Fired Up to Defend Status as Two-Division World Champion

The Singaporean-American sensation will be busy juggling between two divisions this year. But when his mind is locked back onto the welterweight division, Soldic should be an obvious name on the tip of his tongue.