“ONE Fight Night 7: Lineker vs. Andrade II” is in the books, and the show did not disappoint.
The main event was a back-and-forth war, as Fabricio Andrade (9-2) defeated Brazilian compatriot and former titleholder John Lineker (35-10) to claim the vacant ONE bantamweight world championship.
Lineker was unable to answer the bell following the fourth round, as his corner called off the bout due to the significant damage to their charge’s face.
As the dust settles on another action-packed night of fights, we look at what might be ahead for some this past weekend’s biggest winners.
1. Fabricio Andrade vs. Stephen Loman
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There wasn’t a dry eye at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, as Andrade finally claimed the bantamweight strap in emotional scenes.
But “Wonder Boy” won’t have too long to savor his victory, as there is already a dangerous contender waiting in the wings – Stephen Loman (17-2).
Loman is riding an incredible 11-fight winning streak – with the last three victories happening under the ONE Championship banner – but “The Sniper” has been forced to bide his time as Andrade and Lineker settled their epic rivalry.
While standing in the ring, Andrade told Mitch Chilson that he believes the Filipino superstar should be his first challenger.
“We all know we’ve already got a new contender in line. Loman, if you want this, come and get it,” he said.
2. Martin Nguyen vs. Shamil Gasanov
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Martin Nguyen (15-6) certainly had an eventful week.
“The Situ-Asian” was forced to endure two opponent changes, as his original foe – Shamil Gasanov (13-0) – fell ill and replacement Razhab Shaydullaev failed medicals.
Nonetheless, the former two-division ONE world champion triumphed over a second replacement opponent, as he beat a very game Leonardo Casotti via unanimous decision after an entertaining three-round battle.
Now, it makes perfect sense to revisit the original matchup between No. 4-ranked featherweight Nguyen and No. 5-ranked Gasanov – if the MMA gods will allow it, that is.
3. Danielle Kelly vs. Jessa Khan
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Danielle Kelly had her work cut out against the physically imposing Ayaka Miura, but the atomweight submission grappling star eventually got the job done.
Kelly found herself in danger of Miura’s signature “Ayaka Lock” – a scarf-hold Americana that has terrorized opponents in the past. But the American BJJ phenom reversed the position late in the contest and came close to sinking in a rear-naked choke before time expired.
In the end, all three judges saw the bout in favor of the 27-year-old Philadelphia native, and now, there is one person at the front of her mind: her old rival, Jessa Khan.
The 21-year-old prodigy has been forced to bide her time since signing with ONE in May. She was originally booked for ONE 159 last summer, but her opponent withdrew due to a medical issue.
Now, Khan – the IBJJF Pan and Asian Games champion – could be up next for Kelly and go two-for-two in her debut.
4. Tommy Langaker vs. Kade Ruotolo
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Tommy Langaker was at his scintillating best on Friday night.
The Norwegian grappling sensation made short work of four-time sambo world champion Uali Kurzhev, needing just three minutes to slap on a bout-ending heel hook submission.
Langaker has long been regarded as the best grappler in Europe, and many view him as the biggest threat to ONE lightweight submission grappling world champion Kade Ruotolo.
Now that he has gotten past a former world title challenger in Kurzhev, a showdown with Ruotolo beckons for the decorated submission ace.
