ONE: HEAVY HITTERS is on Friday, 14 January, and there are some major changes to the fight card.
The biggest change in the fight card is in the co-main event. Earlier, Murat Aygun was slated to fight and challenge Roman Kryklia for the ONE Light Heavyweight Kickboxing title. However, ‘The Butcher’ had to withdraw from the fight because of COVID-19 health and safety protocols. Because of the challenger backing out, the champion, Kryklia, will also not compete on the card.
ONE: HEAVY HITTERS has a new start time! Don't miss our first event of the year THIS FRIDAY at 7:30pm SGT 👊
Roman Kryklia vs. Murat Aygun and several other bouts have been removed from the card due to COVID-19 health and safety protocols. Full story 👉 https://t.co/FBn1vRIiiP pic.twitter.com/0jOQu494sn
— ONE Championship (@ONEChampionship) January 12, 2022
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The fight has been removed and now the co-main event will feature a bantamweight Muay Thai clash between Saemapetch and Tawanchai. Saemapetch is the number 1 ranked bantamweight Muay Thai contender. Both men are coming off losses in their previous fight and would look to bounce back. They were originally booked to fight at ONE Championship: Battleground 3. However, Saemapatch had to withdraw from the fight because his cornerman tested positive for COVID-19.
ALSO READ – ONE: ONLY THE BRAVE – Full Card Confirmed for 28 January
Several other fighters had to withdraw from the card because of COVID-19 health and safety protocols.
Khabib Nurmagomedov will be at ONE: HEAVY HITTERS
Undefeated MMA fighter and former UFC lightweight champion will be at ONE Championship’s first event of 2022. Nurmagomedov will be there in the corner of his teammate and protege, Saygid Izagakhmaev. The Russian fighter will take on James Nakashima in an exciting bout. Both men are known for their grappling abilities and it will be interesting to see who gets the upper hand.
Saygid Izagakhmaev and all the stars of ONE: HEAVY HITTERS will be in the presence of MMA royalty come 14 January! 👑 @TeamKhabib #WeAreONE #ONEChampionship#ONEHeavyHitters | How To Watch: https://t.co/B1Er5HOcYZ pic.twitter.com/wMUTs9VSPu
— ONE Championship (@ONEChampionship) January 10, 2022
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The Dagestan native will make his debut in the promotion and is in for a tough fight. However, he is confident going into the fight and expects to use all his skills. He is currently 19-2 in his MMA career and is on a two-fight win streak. Given that Nakashima also has a wrestling background, Izagakhmaev is going to use his other skills.
ALSO READ – Five Fighters Who Could Become ONE Championship Champions in 2022
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He said, “Since my opponent is a wrestling lover too, I think I will have to use my striking skills as well. I can use my elbows, legs, and boxing as needed. Even if I can’t take him down, I won’t fixate on something. I will beat him standing up.”
With Nurmagomedov also present at the event, fighters will try to put their best performances in.
