ONE Championship has confirmed two compelling MMA matches for the organization’s first U.S. primetime event of 2026, as ONE Fight Night 39 takes place on Friday, January 23, at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Brazilian fighter Lucas Gabriel will finally face Russian destroyer Magomed Akaev in a rescheduled lightweight bout after an injury forced the Russian out of their ONE Fight Night 38 clash.
The card also features #3-ranked strawweight contender Bokang Masunyane, who seeks redemption against Japanese newcomer Ryohei Kurosawa following consecutive losses to top-shelf competition.
Brazilian Contender Gets Second Chance Against Russian Threat
The 25-year-old Gabriel brings a 10-1 professional record and 3-0 promotional mark into this rescheduled lightweight showdown at ONE Fight Night 39. The Brazilian contender competed in his most recent appearance but saw the result changed to a no contest, leaving him eager to return to the win column against a dangerous Russian opponent seeking his own breakthrough performance.
Akaev also enters with a 10-1 career record following a hard-fought promotional debut against fellow Russian Ibragim Dauev, which ended in a split-decision loss. The 29-year-old Black Dragon representative demonstrated incredible toughness in that initial appearance despite coming up short on the scorecards. Now fully healthy after the injury that prevented their December meeting, the Russian destroyer will look to announce his arrival with a statement victory.
Both fighters need impressive victories to establish themselves among the division’s top contenders, adding urgency to a matchup that could produce a breakthrough performance.
South African Veteran Seeks Redemption Against Japanese Ace
The 31-year-old Masunyane faces a critical crossroads, as he attempts to halt a two-fight skid following consecutive losses to top-tier strawweight fighters. The South African contender owns four promotional victories, including three wins over Japanese opponents that demonstrate his familiarity with competing against fighters from that region. His #3 ranking reflects previous success in the division, but back-to-back defeats have created pressure to deliver an emphatic rebound performance at ONE Fight Night 39.
Kurosawa represents a dangerous opponent for a fighter seeking redemption, as the 32-year-old Japanese veteran brings a 20-4 career record and momentum from his successful promotional debut. The Blackbelt Japan product defeated Philippines’ Jayson Miralpez via unanimous decision in September 2025, announcing his arrival as a legitimate strawweight threat.
The strawweight matchup features contrasting motivations, as Masunyane fights to preserve his ranking while Kurosawa seeks to climb the divisional ladder with a signature victory over ranked opposition.
Stacked Card at ONE Fight Night 39 Features Multiple Disciplines
ONE Fight Night 39 showcases the organization’s multi-discipline approach with five confirmed bouts spanning MMA, Muay Thai, and submission grappling. The lineup features 18-year-old American BJJ phenom Helena Crevar making her highly anticipated promotional debut against Hawaiian veteran Teshya Noelani Alo in bantamweight submission grappling action.
The “art of eight limbs” will be represented through flyweight Muay Thai action between Kongthoranee Sor Sommai and Asadula Imangazaliev, plus a bantamweight Muay Thai clash pitting Rambolek Chor Ajalaboon against Abdulla Dayakaev. The diverse card promises compelling action across multiple combat sports as ONE Championship kicks off its 2026 U.S. primetime schedule.
ONE Fight Night 39 airs live on Prime Video on Friday, January 24. The action begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. The event is free for all Amazon Prime subscribers in the U.S. and Canada.
