ONE Championship brings a full slate of martial arts action to your doorstep on Friday, February 11, with ONE: Bad Blood.
3 Fights to Watch at ONE: Bad Blood
Every bout on the card has the potential to steal the show, which signifies how exciting this event could be at night’s end. Former World Champions fill the card from top to bottom, exciting veterans make their return, and there are even a couple of compelling debuts to take in.
What stands out among the pack?
Here are three battles to make sure you witness at ONE: Bad Blood.
Anatoly Malykhin vs. Kirill Grishenko
It’s a bummer to take the easy route and choose a title tilt, but Anatoly Malykhin’s past performances and charismatic personality make it a clear choice.
The talented Russian has been dominant since joining ONE and is coming off a thrilling knockout over Amir Aliakbari. He has been in line for a shot at the gold and has repeatedly called Arjan Bhullar a chicken in lieu of that matchup not happening. Now he’ll get a shot at the ONE Interim Heavyweight World Championship.
And that is not to count Kirill Grishenko out. The Belarussian has had two fantastic performances inside the Circle as well and will be a threat to stop Malykhin. Grishenko’s length and pressure will force Malykhin to be a bit more methodical in his approach.
The heavyweight title bout will deliver an interesting stylistic matchup inside the Circle, and their personality clash will also be intriguing to witness. Don’t expect the judges to get involved in this one.
Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke vs. Danial Williams
Strawweights Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke and Danial Williams will kick off the main card with what should be an absolute war within the Circle Walls.
For those that may have forgotten, Williams made his ONE debut in 2021 in a Muay Thai war with ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon and held his own for all three rounds. Now he returns to mixed martial arts to face another Muay Thai legend.
There should not be a second without action in this matchup. Both men love to come forward and swing for the fences. Once the bell rings, fans should expect a furious pace to be set between two athletes looking for a bonus.
Dejdamrong, a former ONE Strawweight World Champion, will invite Williams to play on the feet, and Williams will oblige. That will lead to a show-stopping battle. This one could be the sleeper for Match of the Night.
Thomas Narmo vs. Odie Delaney
On the lead card, Thomas Narmo and Odie Delaney will be the first of three heavyweight battles on the card. While there are no immediate title implications on the line, it will be an interesting watch because the winner could put themselves right in the thick of the hunt.
Delaney, specifically, should draw your attention. The American Top Team product will be making his organizational debut, but he brings in a strong Division-1 All-American wrestling pedigree into the Circle with him.
If Delaney can flash dominance against Narmo, there is no reason that he shouldn’t be seen as a legitimate threat in the division right away. It’s how both ONE Interim Heavyweight World Championship competitors, Malykhin and Grishenko, earned their spots.
But Narmo should not be counted out. The Viking is a good athlete with heavyweight power. If he steals the thunder of the debuting American, he’ll announce his presence just the same.
ONE: Bad Blood airs live and free on Friday, February 11. The lead card will begin at 5:00 a.m. EST/2:00 a.m. PST on ONE’s official Facebook page.
The main card will air across Bleacher Report’s YouTube channel and the B/R App at 7:30 a.m. EST/4:30 a.m. PST.
