ONE Championship is back in U.S. primetime with a fun crowd showcasing outstanding martial artists across four incredible sports. ONE Fight Night 8 is headlined by two title tilts live and free on Prime Video. With so much to check out, let us guide you with a look at three matches worth a dedicated viewing.
As March is women’s history month, a few matches stand out on this card featuring elite women competing inside the Circle. What are they, and why should you circle them on the lineup? Let’s answer that by taking a deeper dive into three of the bouts you need to watch at ONE Fight Night 8.
Allycia Hellen Rodrigues vs. Janet Todd
The co-main event may be well-documented at this point, but it deserves to be. Allycia Hellen Rodrigues and Janet Todd will unify the ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Championship. And it’s going to be a phenomenal contest.
Rodrigues showed her mettle against Stamp Fairtex to claim the gold. After a couple of years away from the Circle, nobody knows how much she has improved or how she will handle her return. Meanwhile, Todd has taken over both kickboxing and Muay Thai with gold in her absence.
Both women will exchange in close, but this is a much more methodical and tactical battle. The tiniest of details will separate the winner and loser. The superior game plan will see one women’s hand raised as the Muay Thai queen and help shape an entire division for 2023.
Ham Seo Hee vs. Itsuki Hirata
Atomweights Ham Seo Hee and Itsuki Hirata were supposed to meet in 2022, but when Hirata missed weight, Ham refused a catchweight. This time both women have made the weight and are ready for a key battle in the division. The drama surrounding their first attempt has turned this into a budding rivalry.
What makes this match so much more compelling are the stakes surrounding it. Ham is the #2-ranked contender in the division and could have a claim for a title shot with a victory. And, as the established veteran, she is defending her position against a brash 23-year-old trying to jump into the thick of the hunt.
Hirata is a talented grappler who has been rounding out her game in America, but Ham has been long known as one of the best all-around atomweights for years. Is this a battle of eras, and could the old guard be pushed aside? Or can the South Korean star turn away the youngster and eye the missing piece to her career? This is a must-watch matchup.
Ekaterina Vandaryeva vs. Iman Barlow
Ekaterina Vanderyeva has not graced the Circle since her narrow and contentious loss to Anna Jaroonsak last January. A rematch was scheduled, but “Supergirl” soon found herself against Stamp. Now Vandaryeva returns to show the world she is among the top contenders at strawweight.
“Barbie” will get a stiff challenge from Iman Barlow, who is also seeking to make a statement in her return to the global stage. The Brit debuted last March with a first-round TKO over Daniela Lopez. Both enter with much to prove and a lot at stake.
On a loaded card with many exciting athletes, this Muay Thai battle could get glossed over in favor of glitz and glamor. Don’t let that happen. These two women will absolutely throw heat when the bell rings and put on a show for everyone tuning in.
ONE Fight Night 8 emanates from the Singapore Indoor Stadium on Friday, March 24. The action begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on Prime Video. The event is free for all Amazon Prime members based in the U.S. and Canada.
