Top contender John Lineker knocks out Bibiano Fernandes to claim the ONE Bantamweight World Championship. ONE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—ONE Championship’s 10th anniversary card ONE: X is already as stacked as it can be but there are still fights that could feature in the promotion’s showcase in Singapore.
Chatri Sityodtong Founder and CEO of ONE Championship, said that there’s still a possibility that new fights would be added to the card set for March 26 at Singapore Indoor Stadium.
“Today was an electric night off fights, nine of the 10 bouts were KOs and some of the athletes are still super fresh and completely ready to go,” said Sityodtong Saturday in a virtual press conference.
ONE: Lights Out, the last card before the 10th anniversary event, saw just one of its fights go to the judges with the other nine being either knockouts or stoppages.
John Lineker knocked out longtime champion Bibiano Fernandes in the second round for the bantamweight strap while Thanh Le defended his featherweight title knocking out Garry Tonon in 56 seconds into the opening round.
“I’ve asked my team to look into it so there could be more bouts announced. I don’t know, I really don’t know,” said Sityodtong.
Atomweight world champion Angela Lee will defend her title against Atomweight Grand Prix winner Stamp Fairtex in the main event of ONE: X but the champion’s brother Christian Lee could also feature in the card.
Martin Nguyen, who once held the lightweight and featherweight titles, called out Lee, himself a former 170-pound champion, after his technical knockout win over Kirill Gorobets.
“I’m not chasing that lightweight title. If Christian wants to stay relevant, I know he’s not gonna come down to featherweight to fight me, let’s do a grappling match on ONE: X man let’s do it,” said Nguyen in the post-fight interview.
Nguyen has a split decision win over Lee the first time they met in May 2018 and the once double champion offered to have a grappling match with the former lightweight king.
“I’m sure he wants to get that one back. Let’s make that happen but it’s up to him if he wants to come out, he’s gonna be there for his sister anyway might as well compete and make some money right,” said Nguyen.