ONE Championship returns to Thailand on Friday, 16 August for yet another night of martial arts greatness.
The spectacle, dubbed ONE: DREAMS OF GOLD, decides the two finalists of the historic US$1 million (RM4.12 million) ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Grand Prix.
Giorgio Petrosyan takes on Jo Nattawut while Samy Sana faces Dzhabar Askerov in the tournament semi-finals.
Also, Thailand’s greatest ONE Super Series showman “The Baby Shark” Petchdam Petchyindee Academy returns to action against Netherland’s Ilias Ennahachi.
There is plenty at stake, but here are the three burning questions ahead of ONE: DREAMS OF GOLD in Bangkok’s Impact Arena.
#1 Can “The Doctor” duplicate his debut performance?
Giorgio “The Doctor” Petrosyan outclassed “Smokin” Jo Nattawut in his ONE Super Series debut in April 2018, and the multiple-time Kickboxing World Champion will be hoping to recreate that performance once again in the World Grand Prix semi-finals.
The 32-year-old Milan native’s surgical precision saw him earn a unanimous decision victory in Manila, Philippines, but his opposite number has improved since that bout.
Both athletes displayed their career-best performance to punch their tickets into the last four, but only one will march toward the final.
#2 Will “The Baby Shark” dazzle once again?
Expect “The Baby Shark” Petchdam Petchyindee Academy to continue doing what he does best in his hometown – entertaining fans inside and outside the ring.
He has never failed to deliver a highlight-reel exhibition when he competes at The Home Of Martial Arts. But will the pressure get to him as he defends his ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Title for the first time?
His opposite number is newcomer Ilias Ennahachi, a young and explosive Dutch-Moroccan kickboxer from Utrecht, Netherlands.
With a kickboxing record of 29-2, the 23-year-old Ennahachi puts Petchdam’s credibility to the test.
#3 How will Stamp Fairtex fare in her mixed martial arts test?
ONE Super Series Atomweight Kickboxing & Muay Thai World Champion Stamp Fairtex’s quest to become a three-sport World Champion will be tested against undefeated Indian athlete “Knockout Queen” Asha Roka in an atomweight duel.
The fastest rising female martial arts star is not done yet and wants to complete a record-breaking feat, but her foe is a dangerous mixed martial artist.
Roka boasts two wins by knockout and submission and looks like a well-rounded martial artist. Although not much has been said about Stamp’s abilities other than her striking prowess, expect the 21-year-old Thai sensation to strike her way to glory.
Astro Awani
Mon Aug 05 2019
ONE Championship returns to Thailand on Friday, 16 August for yet another night of martial arts greatness with ONE: Dreams Of Gold. - ONE photo
COP29 climate summit draft proposes rich countries pay $250 billion per year
The draft finance deal criticised by both developed and developing nations.
Bomb squad sent to London's Gatwick Airport after terminal evacuation
This was following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage.
Kelantan urges caution amidst northeast monsoon rains
Kelantan has reminded the public in the state to refrain from outdoor activities with the arrival of the Northeast Monsoon season.
Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern receives UN leadership award
Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern was given a global leadership award by the United Nations Foundation.
ICC'S arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant an apt decision - PM
The decision of the ICC to issue arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant is apt, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
KTMB provides two additional ETS trains for Christmas, school holidays
KTMB will provide two additional ETS trains for the KL Sentral-Padang Besar route and return trips in conjunction with the holidays.
BNM'S international reserves rise to USD118 bil as at Nov 15, 2024
Malaysia's international reserves rose to US$118.0 billion as at Nov 15, 2024, up from US$117.6 billion on Oct 30, 2024.
Findings by dark energy researchers back Einstein's conception of gravity
The findings announced are part of a years-long study of the history of the cosmos focusing upon dark energy.
NRES responds to Rimbawatch press release on COP29
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) wishes to offer the following clarifications to the issues raised.
Online Safety Bill and Anti-Cyberbullying Laws must carefully balance rights and protections
The Online Safety Advocacy Group (OSAG) stands united with people in Malaysia in the fight against serious online harms.
Malaysia's inflation at 1.9 pct in Oct 2024 - DOSM
Malaysia's inflation rate for October 2024 has increased to 1.9 per cent, up from 1.8 per cent in September this year.
Saudi Arabia showcases Vision 2030 goals at Airshow China 2024
For the first time, Saudi Arabia is participating in the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition held recently in Zhuhai.
King Charles' coronation cost GBP 71mil, govt accounts show
The coronation of Britain's King Charles cost taxpayers GBP72 million (US$90 million), official accounts have revealed.
Couple and associate charged with trafficking 51.9 kg of meth
A married couple and a man were charged in the Magistrate's Court here today with trafficking 51.974 kilogrammes of Methamphetamine.
PDRM to consult AGC in completing Teoh Beng Hock investigation
The police may seek new testimony from existing witnesses for additional insights into the investigation of Teoh Beng Hock's death.
Thai court rejects petition over ex-PM Thaksin's political influence
Thailand's Constitutional Court rejects a petition seeking to stop Thaksin Shinawatra from interfering in the running the Pheu Thai party.
Abidin takes oath of office as Sungai Bakap assemblyman
The State Assemblyman for Sungai Bakap, Abidin Ismail, was sworn in today at the State Assembly building, Lebuh Light.
UPNM cadet officer charged with injuring junior, stomping on him with spike boots
A cadet officer at UPNM pleaded not guilty to a charge of injuring his junior by stomping on the victim's stomach with spike boots.
How Indian billionaire Gautam Adani's alleged bribery scheme took off and unraveled
The indictment was unsealed on Nov. 20, prompting a $27 billion plunge in Adani Group companies' market value.
Elon Musk blasts Australia's planned ban on social media for children
Several countries have already vowed to curb social media use by children through legislation, but Australia's policy could become one of the most stringent.