ONE Fighting Championship promises to get fans jumping out of their seats when it hits Dubai’s World Trade Centre on August 29 for the largest combat sports event ever to be held in the Middle East.
The event is named 'Reign of Champions' because for thefirst time ever, ONE FC will be putting on three World Title Championship bouts on the same night.
ONE FC is Asia’s largest mixed martial arts organisation and will be making its debut in the Middle East to an expected packed out crowd.
“We are bringing world class entertainment to the UAE," said Pach Ang, the founder of RedFilo – a ONE FC partner. "The fans will love it. It is going to be the biggest fight night in ONE FC’s history.”
In the main event, ONE FC lightweight champion Shinya Aoki will defend his title against former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighter Kamal Shalorus.
In the co-main event, No1 contender Ben Askren will contest the welterweight title with Nobutatsu Suzuki.
Askren has assured the fans he will finish the fight early and produce some fireworks for the people in attendance.
“I’m thrilled about fighting in Dubai,” the American said. “I want to do my part and quickly beat up Suzuki and put on a good show for the fans. I aim to prove I’m the best welterweight in the world."
As well as world-level fighters, a host of locally based talent will be on display at the ONE FC event.
One fight in particular that is sure to get the crowd roaring will be UAE-born Syrian Mohamad Walid's bout with UAE-based Filipino Vaughn Donayre.
ONE FC’s Senior Vice President of Strategy and Development, Azhar Muammad Saul, feels the UAE is the perfect place to exhibit their events for many years to come.
“The appetite for MMA and fighting here is huge so this is the beginning of a long-term commitment,” said Saul. “Showcasing the talent of Mohammed Walid is a step in the right direction.
“We want to continue to develop the market in the UAE and offer the local talent a global stage to express themselves. It’s the beginning of a substantial plan.”
Although MMA is mainly associated with men, one of the tastiest fights at 'Reign of Champions' will be between two female fighters.
Former World Boxing champion Ana Julaton is facing one of Malaysia’s best known female fighters Ann Osman, who will become the first Muslim female to fight professionally in an Islamic country.
Tickets for the event have gone on sale and can be bought online at: www.platinumlist.net.
The categories begin with the full red carpet and cage side experience for Dh2,000. Tickets priced at Dh1,000, Dh500, Dh300 and Dh150 are also available.
