ONE Championship is back in Bangkok, Thailand, for ONE Fight Night 17. The event will be Muay Thai action from start to finish, with eight incredible bouts. The “art of eight limbs” will be front and center for all to see.
The sport of Muay Thai has captivated martial arts fans throughout 2023. This Muay Thai event is a perfect way to cap off the year on Prime Video and highlight some of the sport’s most exciting stars. But what jumps off the page on Friday, December 8?
There’s a lot to take in, from title tilts to contender bouts and beyond. Get your popcorn ready for a nonstop night of insanity inside Lumpinee Boxing Stadium. Here is a look at three bouts you absolutely cannot miss at ONE Fight Night 17.
Roman Kryklia vs. Alex Roberts
When searching for must-see matchups, the main event is typically a given, so the shine goes to other bouts on the card. However, this main event deserves all of its flowers. When Roman Kryklia dons four-ounce gloves, it is mandatory viewing.
Kryklia has been a revelation since joining ONE. The towering Ukrainian lit up the light heavyweight kickboxing division and claimed its top prize. He then moved up in weight to claim the ONE Heavyweight Kickboxing World Grand Prix Championship.
Now, he is seeking two-sport gold and removes the big gloves to transition into Muay Thai. And he gets to add elbows into his arsenal. Christmas has come early for striking fans.
Can Alex Roberts stun the striking world in his ONE debut? If so, it will likely be the result of an electric finish. It’s all the more reason to be tuned into Prime Video on Friday night. This monstrous heavyweight title tilt has all the makings for a blockbuster finish.
Walter Goncalves vs. Jacob Smith
When both athletes have pushed ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon to the brink with exciting bouts, you know it’s a must-see event. That is the case with Walter Goncalves and Jacob Smith. In separate outings, both men competed well against “The Iron Man” on the global stage.
Goncalves nearly defeated the Thai superstar. It was a narrow split-decision loss, but he has yet to replicate the sort of success he had on that night. The Brazilian hopes to regain his form and show he can push the division’s upper echelon in the new year.
Smith was thrown into the lion’s den in his promotional debut against Rodtang. The Brit dropped a unanimous decision on that night but won a valuable learning experience he is hoping to use at ONE Fight Night 17. Given their past performances, this could be the sleeper for Fight of the Night in Bangkok.
Nguyen Tran Duy Nhat vs. Denis Puric
The flyweight battle is worth the watch just for the return of “No. 1” Nguyen Tran Duy Nhat. However, returning against Denis Puric makes the bout a can’t-miss affair. Everyone will get to see if the Vietnamese star can return in top form or if the division has ushered past the talented striker during his absence.
Duy Nhat was looking sensational in 2019 before the pandemic halted his career. He was moving quickly into position to challenge for gold, and a future bout with top stars like Rodtang Jitmuangnon seemed inevitable. This is his chance to reenter those discussions.
Puric has shown himself well in ONE, and a victory over the Vietnam athlete will help lift him back into the thick of the hunt as well. It will not be an easy return to the ring for “No. 1” on Friday. With motivation on both sides, fans should expect fast-paced action right from the opening bell.
ONE Fight Night 17 airs live on Prime Video on Friday, December 8. The action begins at 8 p.m. EST/5 p.m. PST. The event is free for all Amazon Prime subscribers based in the U.S. and Canada.
