ONE Championship’s first event in Qatar will get the three World Title matches it was promised. The official weigh-ins and hydration tests went down on Thursday, February 29, to finalize the card for ONE 166: Qatar on Friday, March 1, inside the Lusail Sports Arena, and the six athletes scheduled to compete in the tripleheader main event passed.

In fact, all the stars on the lineup hit their designated weight, but Russian striker Vladimir Kuzmin and Tajikistan flyweight Ali Saldoev failed hydration, so their respective matches will be contested at catchweight. A few hours after the official weigh-ins and hydration tests were done and dusted, the fighters graced the stage for the ceremonial weigh-ins and faceoffs.

Intense stare-downs mark the beginning of ONE 166: Qatar

One by one, the rivals stood and faced each other in an intense staredown that allowed them one last chance to size up their opponents before fight night. Before they take part in the first of three World Title bouts at ONE 166, ONE Strawweight World Champion Jarred Brooks and former titleholder Joshua Pacio got nose to nose, with “The Monkey God” continuously barking at the Filipino athlete. 

Asked how he intends to reclaim the division’s top prize, “The Passion” said he is in a good place and will be ready for battle. “Proverbs 12:16 says in the bible, ‘A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted.’ So, I’ve got the peace and confidence that this world cannot give. Tomorrow, we go to war,” he said. 

In response, the usually brash Brooks was surprisingly respectful towards his opponent, but he did make his own declaration of war. “Going to beat him no matter what. I want to wish Joshua the best of luck. I think he’s an amazing Christian and an amazing human being.”

“But tomorrow, I got to beat him. In my own personal views, I think he is evil – he’s trying to take everything away from me and trying to take everything away from my family. So tomorrow, we will go to war, and I will sub you,” he promised.  

ONE featherweight title bout

The ONE Featherweight MMA World Championship will also be unified at the spectacular event when divisional king Tang Kai and interim titleholder Thanh Le square off for the second time. Both men shared a quiet but fierce staredown at center stage, and Le was adamant that he wouldn’t see the judges’ scorecards ever again while vowing to showcase his best in their battle. 

“I said it. I got to go prove it. I can tell you one thing – win or lose, he is going to see the absolute best version of Thanh Le that’s ever stepped into that Circle right there. And win or lose, he is never going to forget that part two happened,” he said.  

Also Read: “There’s Nothing That Can Stop Me” – Jarred Brooks Confesses of Being in the “Zone” for ONE 166

The Chinese World Champion was indifferent to his opponent’s confidence and didn’t bother letting the translator speak for him as he responded with his own English words. “I don’t care he say anything. I’m very hungry now. Let’s f***ing go,” Tang said. 

A main event for the ages

In the evening’s main event, Reinier de Ridder will put his ONE Middleweight MMA World Championship on the line in a rematch with ONE Heavyweight and Light Heavyweight World Champion Anatoly Malykhin.

Whatever the outcome, history will be made in their matchup, as Malykhin vyes to become ONE Championship’s first three-division titleholder, and De Ridder attempts to be the first to hand the dominant Russian a loss in his career.

“Sladkiy” has to move down two weight classes to challenge his foe, but he promises to finish him again on Friday night in his trademark humorous manner. “De Ridder, pancake time Friday. You are my pancake, let’s go,” Malykhin said. “I’m ready to make history. I am going to smash him in the cage tomorrow and bring home my next title.”

“The Dutch Knight” remained confident when responding, but he took a more humble approach when asked how he intends to redeem himself in the rematch. “This is the big one for me. The mind is strong. Body is strong. Let’s see if I can get this guy’s neck tomorrow,” De Ridder said. ONE 166: Qatar will be broadcast live to 190 countries around the world, including in North America, where Prime Video subscribers can watch all the action for free.

Also Read: “This Is About Me Redeeming Myself” – Reinier De Ridder Wanted Anatoly Malykhin Rematch Regardless of Weight Class