ONE FC: Rise of Kings is the sixth event for the promotion and the first that will include title fights for their own belts. The Singapore-based company picks up where promotions like PRIDE and later DREAM left off, amassing a stable of Asian and Asia-based fighters from smaller, more local promotions.
Shinya “Tobikan Judan” Aoki headlines this card with a bout against up-and-comer Arnaud “The Game” Lepont. UFC legend Jens Pulver will compete Saturday’s kick off to their year-long grand prix for the bantamweight title, while others like Zorobabel Moreira and Eric Kelly will look to continue their winning streaks.
Here’s a look at Saturday’s card. All the fights will be streamed live for $10 at ONEFC.com.
Shinya Aoki (30-6) Vs Arnaud Lepont (9-1)
Aoki is one of the best fighters in the world on the ground with different leglocks in his arsenal. Lepont, a newcomer compared to Aoki, has been on a roll recently with his last few fights ending in the first round save for his last ONE FC bout against Brian Choi. Though many see Lepont as an underdog, don’t count the Frenchman out. His ground game has improved immensely after working with BJJ black belt Fernando Maccachero and former UFC fighters Roger Huerta. What’s interesting is how Lepont got the fight, calling out Aoki just seconds after submitting Choi in June.
Edge: Aoki
Soo Chul Kim (6-4) VS Leandro Issa (10-2)
Bantamweight Title Fight
This is a rematch a year in the making. Leandro Issa, a BJJ black belt, has already defeated Soo Chul Kim by decision in the promotions first event back in September 2011. But that was when Kim was only 19-years-old. The young Korean, who has superb submission defence, will have his hands full against Issa who is riding a seven-fight win streak. Neither fighter has gone into the championship rounds before so it will be interesting to see if cardio fails for either men.
Edge: Issa
Zorobabel Moreira (7-1) VS Kotetsu Boku (19-7-2)
Lightweight Title Fight
A BJJ black belt and world champion, “Zoro” is riding a five-fight win streak after coming onto the scene in late 2008. His one loss (the one-punch knockout by Joe Ray 14-seconds into the fight) is the only blemish on his record. Kotetsu Boku, though not well known outside of Asia, is on a win streak that stretches back to 2008. He is undefeated in ONE FC with wins over Masakazu Imanari and Soo Chul Kim. This is a clash of two fighters on a hot streak, and with a belt on the line, it looks as if the one with versatility will come out on top.
Edge: Moreira.
Melvin Manhoef (25-9-1) VS Ryo Kawamura (15-6-4)
All but two of Melvin Manhoef’s wins have come by knockout. The Dutch kickboxer is not afraid to bang standing up, but he is on a bit of a slide winning only one out of his last five. Ryo Kawamura, however is one a three fight win streak at Pancrase, where he currently holds the Middleweight title. He too has used his fists to end half of his wins, knocking out eight guys in he career. Still, Manhoef holds the edge if they stand up, but it’s going to be interesting to see if they go the distance. Manhoef went into the third round for the first time just two months ago and, though he won by decision, looked tired and confused. Either way, we expect this to be one of the most exciting fights of the night.
Edge: Kawamura.
Rest of the fight card:
Bantamweight Grand Prix
Jens Pulver (26-17-1) VS Yanfei Zao (1-2)
Yusup Saadalaev (91-) VS Kevin Belingon (9-2)
Masakatsu Ueda (15-2-2) VS Min Jung Song (3-4)
Mitch Chilson (3-1) VS Ngabdi Mulyadi (5-4)
Gianni Subba (Debut) VS Radeem Rahman (1-0)