Undefeated American welterweight Chase Mann shared his initial thoughts on Tongan-Australian opponent Isi Fitikefu and predicted an early finish in his highly anticipated ONE Championship debut at ONE Fight Night 39 on Friday, January 23, at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Chase Mann, the 29-year-old Arkansas native praised Fitikefu’s physical strength, gritty mentality, and wrestling while expressing determination to secure a stoppage victory rather than allowing the welterweight clash to reach the judges’ scorecards.
Chase Mann, who owns a perfect 6-0 professional record, has a well-rounded skill set and a highlight-reel loaded with knockouts and submission victories. He brings that, and more, into this welterweight showdown against the former rugby player.
Arkansas Native Chase Mann Praises Opponent’s Physical Tools and Wrestling
Ahead of his promotional debut, Mann expressed genuine respect for Fitikefu’s strengths while revealing the extensive study he conducted in preparation for their welterweight clash. The undefeated American highlighted the Tongan-Australian’s physicality, toughness, and grappling abilities as primary threats requiring tactical adjustments.
“One of his biggest strengths is his physical strength. You can see he’s a dog. He’s gritty. He’s got great wrestling. He’s very stubborn. I’ve studied this guy, man. I like the way he fights, honestly,” Chase Mann said.
Mann overcame a difficult childhood marked by parental drug addiction and multiple arrests for petty vandalism during his early years, ultimately finding discipline and purpose through martial arts training.
Chase Mann Targets Early Stoppage in Promotional Debut
Outlining his finishing intentions, the 29-year-old American revealed his preference for securing a first-round stoppage. However, he knows that will be difficult to achieve and acknowledges that a third-round finish remains possible if early opportunities don’t materialize. Mann made clear that reaching the judges’ scorecards represents an undesirable outcome regardless of the round.
“I think I might be able to get a finish in the third round, but I’m going for a first-round finish. I don’t come to the ring looking for a decision. I want to finish. Wherever there’s an opportunity, I’m going for the finish,” Mann said.
The Tongan-Australian’s ability to rebound from setbacks while building momentum creates intriguing questions about whether Mann’s finishing threats can overcome a battle-tested opponent who seeks to derail another hyped prospect.
Undefeated Contender Chase Mann Reveals Championship Ambitions
Looking beyond his immediate challenge, Mann expressed his ultimate goal of capturing ONE Championship gold. The Arkansas native emphasized his current focus remains exclusively on defeating Fitikefu before contemplating future matchups.
“I would love to have a gold belt wrapped around my waist one day. But I know I have to earn my shot, and I’ve still got to earn my keep here. So, right now, I’m focused on the opponent. Isi’s standing across from me, and that’s it,” Mann said.
A dominant debut victory would immediately establish Mann among welterweight prospects. The stylistic clash between the American’s aggression and Fitikefu’s physical wrestling pressure promises compelling action as two hungry competitors seek momentum-building victories on the global stage.
ONE Fight Night 39 airs live on Prime Video on Friday, January 23. The action begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. The event is free for all Amazon Prime subscribers in the U.S. and Canada.
