The deal between ONE Championship and Prime Video was made official at a recent press conference, and both parties officially revealed that five monthly events will broadcast live for the remainder of 2022.
“ONE on Prime Video 1: Moraes vs. Johnson II,” which broadcasts live in U.S. primetime on August 26, will kickstart the venture, and it will be followed by live shows on September 30, October 21, November 18 and December 2.
While American MMA icon Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson is already confirmed for the first card, combat sports fans in North America are eager to see who the Singapore-based promotion showcases as part of the high-profile partnership.
Here we break down which American stars the organization could put front and center over the next several months.
1. Janet Todd
Janet “JT” Todd wrote herself into the history books as only the second female athlete to become a two-sport ONE world champion.
The Californian resident took out Spanish striking sensation Lara Fernandez to claim the ONE interim atomweight muay Thai world title on July 22, adding it to the atomweight kickboxing crown she snatched from Stamp Fairtex in 2020.
Due to her status, Todd would be the perfect athlete to feature on Prime Video, as she could draw Americans to the striking arts.
“JT” has found plenty of success in muay Thai and kickboxing, and she is currently enjoying a seven-fight win streak that stretches back to her second promotional appearance.
The 36-year-old never backs away from a tough challenge, and her ability to knock out some of the most dangerous fighters in ONE’s atomweight striking disciplines has made her a fan favorite.
With her double-champ status and game interest to put on a show, “JT” should be a first-choice pick for ONE matchmakers ahead of the promotion’s upcoming U.S primetime events.
2. Sage Northcutt
The ONE on Prime Video deal seems like the perfect setting for “Super” Sage Northcutt to announce his comeback.
Northcutt has been keen to step into the ONE circle again since recovering from an unfortunate injury he suffered in his promotional debut back in 2019.
The 26-year-old star has been linked to two names since his layoff – those being Shinya Aoki and Eduard Folayang, both of whom are former ONE Lightweight World Champions.
If he draws either MMA veteran, the California-based fighter would have the perfect opportunity to highlight his skill set. And with the American fanbase tuning in, Northcutt would be guaranteed to put on a show.
With his perfect “Ken Doll” body to go alongside a dangerous arsenal, ONE wouldn’t have any issues drawing the masses if they were to feature him on any one of the Prime Video dates.
Northcutt also has eight career finishes to his name, so fans would be sure not to miss his fight.
3. Mikey Musumeci
ONE’s submission grappling roster has grown exponentially over the last six months, and the matches have been enjoyable spectacles.
Given how well the single-round ground fights have gone throughout 2022, the Singapore-based organization will likely slot at least one or two ties into their Prime Video shows.
And what better way to showcase submission grappling on U.S primetime than by featuring one of the most technically gifted wizards of modern-day Brazilian jiu-itsu, Mikey “Darth Rigatoni” Musumeci?
The New Jersey native submitted Japanese leg lock legend Masakazu Imanari in his ONE debut earlier this year, and he’s fired up to add more wins against world-renowned grapplers to his record.
Musumeci, who trains out of Evolve MMA in Singapore, is crafty in all aspects of his game – be it from top mount, side control, guard, and even when he works on his rival from the back.
Grappling enthusiasts are keen to see more of what Musumeci possesses, so let’s hope he gets to make his sophomore appearance before the end of 2022.
