Lee, Askren defend ONE titles in Singapore; Eustaquio clashes with Thai
FOLLOWING a highly successful Manila event last month, ONE Championship returns today in Singapore with a pair of title matches as headliners.
Dubbed “ONE: Dynasty of Heroes,” the event will see women’s atomweight world champion Angela “Unstoppable” Lee defend her title against Brazilian challenger Istela Nunes in the main event, and welterweight world champion Ben “Funky” Askren defend his versus Malaysian Agilan “The Alligator” Thani in the co-main event.
Also featured in the ONE offering, happening at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, is Filipino flyweight Geje “Gravity” Eustaquio against Thai Anatpong “Mak” Bunrad in a rematch of their 2015 fight.
Ms. Lee, 20 years old and sporting a 7-0 record, makes her second title defense, which she said she is looking forward to especially since she is fighting in front of her hometown fans.
“I’m very excited to be jumping back into the cage and defending my title for the second time. My last training camp for my first title defense was great. This one is going to be even better. It’s always a treat for me fighting in Singapore as I have great support from all my family and friends,” said Ms. Lee, who beat Jenny Huang in her first title defense in March.
Ms. Lee is facing Ms. Nunes (5-0) and is expecting a tough challenge. She nonetheless is bullish of her chances of keeping her title.
“Our styles are very explosive and it will be exciting for the fans to see. I think that Istela is a good opponent for me. She’s a good striker, but I know that I’m much more well- rounded. I feel like I can take this fight wherever I want it. Whether it’s on the feet or on the ground, I’m extremely confident in all areas,” she said.
EASY FINISH
On the part of welterweight titleholder Askren, he sees an “easy night” against challenger Thani owing to his superior wrestling skills which he touts as a huge difference come fight night.
“It does not matter what my opponent’s strengths and weaknesses are, because at the end of the day, I have got the trump card. He cannot stop my wrestling, which he cannot, then he is going to be on his back, and he is going to get beaten up,” said Mr. Askren, holder of a 15-0 record and is a ONE champion since 2014.
His opponent, Mr. Thani, is undefeated in seven fights with his last win coming last February over Jeff Huang by second- round submission ( rear- naked choke).
Meanwhile, Team Lakay flyweight Eustaquio ( 8- 5) makes his cage return after a five-month break, taking on Thai Bunrad ( 5- 2), who dealt him a narrow split decision defeat two years ago.
It was an outcome that the 28-year-old Eustaquio is aching to make up for in his return fight.
“My first fight against him served as a big lesson. It’s my duty to learn from my mistakes and improve to become a better martial artist. I know what I am capable of. I can’t wait to showcase my talent this Friday,” said Mr. Eustaquio.
The Filipino fighter and his Thai opponent lost in their last fights.
“ONE: Dynasty of Heroes” will be shown live locally on S+ A beginning at 8:30 p.m.