Jonathan Di Bella and Prajanchai Set to Battle for Vacant World Title at ONE Friday Fights 68 on June 28

A highly anticipated match between two fearsome strikers hit a roadblock when it was originally set to go down earlier this year, but it has now been rescheduled for next month.

On Friday, June 28, the vacant ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Championship will be on the line when Prajanchai PK Saenchai and Jonathan Di Bella slug it out at ONE Friday Fights 68 inside the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

Jonathan Di Bella vs. Prajanchai: Clash of Champions

The brawl was initially booked for ONE Friday Fights 58 last April, but then-World Champion Di Bella failed ONE Championship’s hydration tests in the leadup, and he was stripped of the World Title as a result. The Italian-Canadian was reportedly hospitalized due to illness soon after, and he wasn’t able to compete in the event.

It was a tough blow for Di Bella, and he has been eager to assert his dominance in the division since. The undefeated striker claimed the crown against Zhang Peimian in his ONE debut at ONE 162 in October 2022 and defended it in his next fight with Danial Williams at ONE Fight Night 15 one year later, pushing his record to 12-0. Prajanchai will offer Di Bella his biggest challenge yet, though, and he’ll throw everything at him in his quest for two-sport glory.

The Thai star unified the ONE Strawweight Muay Thai World Title in his rematch with Joseph Lasiri at ONE Friday Fights 46 last December, having lost it to the Italian in their first meeting in May 2022.

Prajanchai is eyeing a second belt

That win capped off a four-fight streak of victories for Prajanchai, which includes a finish over the legendary Sam-A Gaiyanghadao to claim the interim divisional crown last June.

The 29-year-old has been ready for his golden opportunity to secure a strap in a second sport since April, and he will certainly be eager to fulfill his dream next month.

ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong hinted that the matchup might go down at a major tentpole event for the ONE Friday Fights series in an interview with Sportskeeda MMA’s Nic Atkin. Now that it’s official, fans can expect more blockbuster pairings to be announced for ONE Friday Fights 68 in the coming weeks.