ONE Championship moves into its second event of the year with ONE: Hero's Ascent this coming Friday, 25 January.
The 11-bout card is set to take place at the Mall Of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines, including a main-event tilt for the ONE Flyweight World Championship.
All 22 athletes on the bill possess a knack for scoring knockouts, but here are the top three KOs from the stars appearing on the show.
#1 Mohammed 'Jordan Boy' Mahmoud’s stinging elbow
Mohammed Bin Mahmoud’s opponent, Stergos 'Greek Dynamite' Mikkios, started off the stronger of the pair as he landed several strikes on his Malaysian foe.
'Jordan Boy' did not shy away, however, and retaliated with a barrage of punches and kicks, which left the European on the back foot.
Mikkios attempted a fancy Superman punch, but he was brought to the canvas by Mohammed’s right elbow. He got up on wobbly feet, but the 22-year-old from Sampuri Muay Thai Gym landed a left kick and another hard right hand to seal his perfect debut.
Mohammed will be hoping for knockout number two in The Home Of Martial Arts against Hiroaki Suzuki this Saturday.
#2 Honorio Banario’s one-punch KO
Honorio 'The Rock' Banario attacked with superior grappling and took Jaroslav Jartim to the canvas barely a minute into the contest.
The 29-year-old continued to dominate the ground game in the second round before his opponent scrambled away and rose to his feet.
It was not long before he was sent back to the ground again — this time, via The Rock’s hands. Banario countered his opponent’s kick with a straight right, and then crumpled him with a perfectly-timed left hook on the jaw.
Banario faces undefeated grappler Lowen Tynanes in the first quarter-final of the inaugural ONE Lightweight World Grand Prix at ONE: Hero's Ascent.
#3 Yukinori Ogasawara’s spinning back elbow
After being dominated in the opening stanza and almost the whole of the second round, Japan’s Yukinori Ogasawara needed an answer to Rui Botelho’s attacking takeover.
He struggled to match his Portuguese opponent’s power and precision, but only needed a split second to completely turn things around.
The Japanese striker uncorked a beautifully-timed spinning back elbow, which clipped his opponent and knocked him down for good.
Ogasawara will have his eyes on another fancy finish against Elias Mahmoudi in Manila.
Astro Awani
Wed Jan 23 2019
Honorio Banario (right) stopped newcomer Jaroslav Jartim with a monstrous left hook. - ONE photo
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.