ONE Championship has made waves by enhancing its January event, promising an exhilarating night for MMA fans worldwide. Scheduled for January 24 at the renowned Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand, ONE 170 will see reigning bantamweight champion Fabricio Andrade return to the octagon. The excitement centers around Andrade’s first title defense against Won Il Kwon, a competitor who not only poses a significant challenge but also has a history with the champion.
At 27 years old, Andrade’s career has been nothing short of remarkable, with a professional record of 9 wins and 2 losses. His path to the championship was solidified during a memorable bout against John Lineker at ONE on Prime Video 7 in February 2023. That night, Andrade showcased resilience and skill, ultimately leading to a stoppage of Lineker’s corner at the end of Round 4 due to serious eye damage. This victory was pivotal for Andrade, who embraced the opportunity to ascend the ranks of ONE Championship.
However, following his title win, Andrade ventured into kickboxing, seeking to extend his prowess across multiple disciplines. Unfortunately, his bout against Jonathan Haggerty did not culminate in success, as he was halted in the second round. This defeat served as a necessary learning moment, redirecting Andrade’s focus back to his roots in mixed martial arts.
Opposing Andrade will be South Korean fighter Won Il Kwon, boasting an impressive record of 14 wins and 4 losses. Their paths first crossed at ONE Championship 158 in June 2022, where Andrade claimed victory in the first round via a decisive liver kick. Since that encounter, Kwon has undergone a transformation, rattling off three consecutive finishes, showcasing his evolution as a fighter. His most recent performance, a second-round demolition of Shinechagtga Zoltsetseg, set the stage for this title opportunity, indicating that Kwon is no longer the same fighter Andrade faced previously.
The excitement surrounding ONE 170 also stems from a well-rounded fight card. Alongside Andrade’s title defense, fans can anticipate a co-main event for the muay Thai lightweight title featuring Tawanchai PK Saenchai vs. Superbon Banchamek. This matchup promises a thrilling display of striking prowess, further enriching the event.
Additionally, Superlek Kiatmoo9 will battle Nico Carrillo for the muay Thai featherweight title, while other compelling matchups, including Saeksan Or Kwanmuang against Soe Lin Oo and Suriyanlek Por Yenying versus Thant Zin, enhance the lineup, ensuring a diverse and entertaining evening for attendees and viewers alike.
As the January showdown approaches, both Andrade and Kwon are preparing for a high-stakes encounter that transcends mere titles. For Andrade, it’s a test to solidify his reign as champion and to bounce back from his kickboxing setback. In contrast, Kwon aims to defeat a familiar adversary and establish himself as a top contender in the bantamweight division.
ONE 170 is set to be an unforgettable event, marked by title aspirations, compelling rivalries, and the brilliance of top-tier martial artists. With Andrade and Kwon poised to clash, the fight fans are in for a new chapter in the thrilling saga of ONE Championship.