Tongan-Australian fighter Isi Fitikefu issued bold finishing predictions and dismissed the significance of Chase Mann’s perfect record ahead of their welterweight MMA clash at ONE Fight Night 39 on Friday, January 23, at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
The 33-year-old said he doesn’t care about his opponent’s undefeated status and vowed to hunt for a stoppage victory from the opening bell. Isi Fitikefu guaranteed he will finish Mann by either knockout or submission while asserting he operates at a higher level than the 29-year-old Arkansas native.
The Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Smeaton Grange representative, who trains with former UFC World Champion Robert Whittaker, seeks his third consecutive victory at ONE Fight Night 39, and another dominant performance could lead him to a shot at Christian Lee’s welterweight belt.
Australian Star Isi Fitikefu Dismisses Opponent’s Undefeated Record
Responding to questions about facing an undefeated fighter in Mann’s promotional debut at ONE Fight Night 39, the Tongan-Australian veteran emphatically rejected the notion that his opponent’s perfect record creates additional pressure or requires altered preparation.
“I don’t care if he’s undefeated or if he has 1,000 or 600 fights. I prepare the same as I always prepare. It doesn’t matter if it’s a World Title fight or a normal fight. If you’re in my way, I’m getting past you,” Isi Fitikefu said.
Mann brings a 6-0 professional record featuring both knockout and submission victories. The American overcame a difficult childhood marked by parental drug addiction to find discipline through martial arts, building an undefeated streak that earned him ONE Championship opportunity.
Isi Fitikefu Guarantees Stoppage at ONE Fight Night 39
Outlining his approach, Isi Fitikefu promised relentless aggression from the opening bell while guaranteeing he will secure a finish at ONE Fight Night 39 regardless of the round or method. The 33-year-old veteran expressed certainty about the outcome, but he wasn’t certain about the specific timing or technique.
“I’ll be going all out, hunting, attacking, and doing everything I can until I finish him. Could be round one, could be round three. I don’t know which one it is, I don’t know. Could be a knockout or a submission. But one thing’s guaranteed: I’m finishing him,” Fitikefu said.
His two-fight winning streak following the promotional debut setback validates his ability to perform under ONE Championship’s bright lights. The veteran’s aggressive fighting style and finishing mentality create dangerous threats for opponents unprepared for his relentless pace.
Former Rugby Player Isi Fitikefu Claims Competitive Superiority
Taking his verbal assault further, the fighter revealed his training philosophy and claimed that he operates at a higher competitive level than his ONE Fight Night 39 opponent. Fitikefu admitted his focus on executing his own game plan rather than making adjustments based on opponent tendencies.
“I really just train in my own style. I don’t train according to his style or someone else’s style. I’m doing what I can do within my control. I don’t know what he’s done, but I feel like I’m a level above him,” Isi Fitikefu said.
The welterweight clash promises fireworks as two confident finishers collide with contrasting motivations. Mann seeks to validate his undefeated record and announce his arrival as a legitimate threat to ONE Championship’s welterweight elite, while Fitikefu aims to extend his winning streak and make his case for a title shot.
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.
