The 5 Best ONE Super Series Bouts Of 2018’s Third Quarter

ONE Super Series has been a revelation since its launch in April.

Its Muay Thai and kickboxing bouts have become some of the most anticipated contests of the ONE Championship experience as world champions from across the globe showcase their skills and styles in The Home Of Martial Arts.

As the third quarter got underway, more and more elite competitors were introduced to fans and delivered non-stop action. Also, there were some familiar faces who returned to the all-striking league with some new tricks and a sharper game.

Here are five of the best ONE Super Series bouts from the past three months.

#1 Rodtang Jitmuangnon’s Electric Debut

Sergio “Samurai” Wielzen had already competed for the inaugural ONE Muay Thai Flyweight World Title and, despite coming up short in his quest for the gold, he was keen to get back to winning ways.

In July, at ONE: CONQUEST OF HEROES in Jakarta, Indonesia, he met Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon, who entered his new promotional home as one of the most successful competitors on the Thai stadium circuit.

Both men have a reputation for excitement, and they lived up to it from the opening bell. However, Rodtang’s power soon became the decisive factor in the contest.

The Thai dropped the tough Dutch-Surinamese athlete in the first and third rounds, using his signature left hook to great effect, though his kicks were also dangerous weapons as he attacked with unrelenting aggression.

Wielzen never accepted defeat, and his durability kept him in the contest so he could launch elbows and high kicks at his foe. Ultimately, he was outgunned and fell on the wrong side of a unanimous decision.

#2 Saemapetch’s Powerful Premiere

Saemapetch Fairtex walked into The Home Of Martial Arts as a highly-touted competitor, and Lithuania’s Deividas “The Savage Sitsongpeenong” Danyla could not wait to share the ring with the MTGP Welterweight World Champion.

He may have reconsidered once the action started against the Thai southpaw, who had the crowd in Guangzhou, China on their feet during their Muay Thai clash at ONE: BATTLE FOR THE HEAVENS in July.

The Fairtex representative landed damaging kicks and left hands on his opponent, and by the end of the first round, he had sent his European foe to the canvas with a stunning elbow.

As the contest progressed, Danyla pressed forward, undeterred, but Saemapetch worked well from the outside and in the clinch. He had an answer for every question his rival asked of him as he continued to advance.

Though Danyla was outscored in almost every range, his tenacity kept him in the contest as he continued to throw hard punches until the final bell. In the end, the decision went to the man from Thailand.

#3 A ”Dynamite” Showcase In Shanghai

In September, Australia’s Daniel “The Rock” Dawson and Italy’s Mustapha “Dynamite” Haida engaged in a back-and-forth battle at ONE: BEYOND THE HORIZON in Shanghai, China, which saw twists and turns before culminating in one of the year’s best knockouts.

Haida was sharper and more damaging with his strikes in the opening frame, and he even dropped Dawson with a head kick. “The Rock” came back strong, however, as he controlled the second stanza and rattled his opponent with punches.

The bout was up for grabs in the final round, but “Dynamite” did not want to leave it in the hands of the judges, so he turned up the pressure.

He rocked his adversary with a powerful punch, and then a combination that saw him land a big knee to the body and a short left hook to the chin, which earned him a spectacular knockout.

#4 Chamuaktong’s Offensive Firepower

In July, the promotion’s blockbuster ONE: REIGN OF KINGS in Manila, Philippines saw the promotional debut of Lumpinee Stadium and Rajadamnern Stadium World Champion, Chamuaktong Fightermuaythai.

He faced European Muay Thai Champion, Brown Pinas, in one of the most competitive bouts of the night.

Although he was giving up plenty of experience, Pinas showed no fear. He moved forward aggressively, landing punches and kicks in the first round. His Thai opponent maintained his composure, however, and he fired back with hard body kicks.

Chamuaktong built on his success in round two by putting on a clinch clinic. He punished his foe with knees and elbows, and he barely gave the Amsterdam resident any space to work.

In the ascendancy and full of confidence, the Thai went on the offensive in round three, forcing Pinas to take a more defensive approach until the final bell.

When the judges turned in their scorecards, Chamuaktong had his hand raised.

#5 Ngimbi Battles Back To Edge Petrosyan

After giving living legend Yodsanklai IWE Fairtex all he could handle in his promotional debut in May, Chris “The African Warrior” Ngimbi was determined to get his hand raised in his second ONE Super Series appearance.

At ONE: REIGN OF KINGS, he faced decorated champion Armen Petrosyan, who entered the world’s largest martial arts organization for the first time.

Both men had their share of success in Manila, but the real difference between them was power. Petrosyan displayed his technical prowess, as he evaded, countered, and landed in volume. “The African Warrior” connected less frequently, but his impact was often clearly visible.

Ngimbi moved in for the finish several times, but the Italian-Armenian kept himself in the contest with movement and sharp counter-strikes. They battled all the way to the judges’ scorecards, which gave a narrow split decision to Ngimbi.