ONE Championship’s flyweight division has been on fire, and the depths of its roster is loaded with talent. At ONE: Battleground II, a previously recorded event airing on August 13, may see another rising star throwing his name into the mix.
Eko Roni Saputra vs. Liu Peng Shuai Preview
Eko Roni Saputra meets China’s Liu Peng Shuai in a bid to grab his fifth straight victory.
The multiple-time Indonesian nation wrestling champion has not simply been on a tear with wins. Saputra has also finished each of the four opponents he has faced during that run inside the first round to keep his finishing rate a perfect 100%.
Each of Saputra’s last three victories, against Khon Sichan, Murugan Silvarajoo, and Ramon Gonzales, were finished via submission. The Indonesian’s talents on the mat will make him a threat against the entire division, but his hands are not to be slept upon.
And it is a division filled with talented grapplers.
Kazakhstan’s Kairat Akhmetov was a three-time National Greco-Roman Champion. Divisional king Adriano Moraes is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu ace and has nine career submissions to his credit. And, of course, nobody can forget Demetrious Johnson, who effortlessly utilizes his grappling while adding in innovative twists.
The division had been set aflame by the ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix, won by Johnson, before fuel was added by Moraes’ astonishing knockout of “Mighty Mouse” at ONE on TNT I. Flyweights have proven to be among the most exciting in the sport, making nearly every match a can’t-miss event.
Saputra is now adding his name to that list.
With each new performance, Saputra shows the world that he can compete against the upper echelon of the division. He continually adds new tools to his game at Evolve MMA, making him a more dangerous competitor for anybody who steps inside the Circle against him.
At ONE: Battleground II, Saputra has an opportunity to force his way into the discussion. Winning streaks are difficult to maintain in mixed martial arts, and five straight wins will grab the attention of everybody.
The Evolve MMA representative is primed for his run at flyweight contendership. Staying active in 2020 allowed him to make leaps within the division, and, now, in 2021, he is primed for the next trek up the mountain.
The Indonesian may have grown up in poverty, but his tireless work ethic has led him to the global stage where he is now feasting on his opposition and inching closer to superstardom. On Friday, Liu Peng Shuai is the next roadblock on his journey.
ONE: Battleground II airs via tape delay on Friday, August 13, on Bleacher Report, Bleacher Report YouTube, and the Bleacher Report app at 8:30 a.m. EST/5:30 a.m. PST.
