ONE Championship has added two exciting MMA bouts to its first 2024 U.S. primetime event of 2024. The year will see four contenders look to make their mark as soon as the new year begins. ONE Fight Night 18 comes your way on Friday, January 12, on Prime Video.
In bantamweight action, #5-ranked bantamweight contender Artem Belakh will defend his spot against Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu. The Mongolian is looking to grab another upset under the bright lights. Belakh is coming off a loss to Kwon Won Il, while Baatarkhuu has been surging.
The Mongolian started his ONE tenure on ONE Friday Fights with back-to-back victories before coming to the main stage. At ONE Fight Night 13, he shocked Jhanlo Mark Sangiao with a second-round submission. This matchup offers Baatarkhuu a chance to break through into the top five of the division.
But the 27-year-old Russian is not looking to go quietly. Belakh is ready to get back in the win column and affirm his status as a top bantamweight contender. A win over the 3-0 Mongolian will be a huge boost for him to chase the gold in 2024.
Later in the evening, featherweights take to the ring inside Lumpinee Boxing Stadium. Shamil Gasanov returns to action against Oh Ho Taek. Both men want to shine in Bangkok and make their case for contendership.
Gasanov debuted in ONE as a highly-touted athlete and backed it up with a dominant debut over Kim Jae Woong. He called his shot against Garry Tonon and was rewarded with the match. However, it did not go his way and the American submitted him in the second round after taking heavy shots from the Russian.
Similarly, Oh took home a win in his first outing before faltering in his sophomore effort against Akbar Abdullaev last March. After nearly a year away, he gets a chance to pick up a massive win in his return. It’s a pivotal battle for both men.
The two matchups offer big opportunities for all four individuals. The fluid divisions are hungry for more contenders, and a big performance could put them on the radar for title consideration. ONE Fight Night 18 will put them front and center to make their bid.
ONE Fight Night 18 airs live on Prime Video on Friday, January 12. The action begins at 8 p.m. EST/5 p.m. PST. The event is free for all Amazon Prime members based in the U.S. and Canada.
