Two Blockbuster MMA World Title Fights Announced For ONE Fight Night 27

Add as a preferred source on Google

Next year will kick-off in epic fashion for combat sports fans. ONE Championship recently announced the headliners for its first U.S. primetime event of 2025. ONE Fight Night 27 takes place at the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on 11 January.

In the main event, reigning ONE Featherweight MMA World Champion Tang Kai puts his title on the line against dangerous Kyrgyzstani opponent Akbar Abdullaev, who remains undefeated in his career.

China's first male MMA World Champion in Tang has been splendid in his ONE tenure so far. He has entered ONE's stage eight times and won all his matches, finishing five of his ultra-tough opponents.

In 2022, Tang challenged Thanh Le for the featherweight belt and defeated the American to crown himself the new divisional champion. Following the historic victory, the 28-year-old was sidelined due to injuries.

After a gap of almost two years, he came back stronger and defended his title against Le, defeating him convincingly via TKO. Now, he will defend his belt once again, this time against a young and powerful opponent who holds an undefeated record of 11-0.

Abdullaev made his promotional debut in 2023, finishing all three of his opponents before the third round. His show-stopping ability and 100 percent finishing rate makes him the most dangerous opponent for the current champion.

In the co-main event, the Philippines' #2-ranked contender Denice Zamboanga goes up against #4-ranked Alyona Rassohyna for the ONE Interim Women's Atomweight MMA World Title. The victor will earn a chance to become the undisputed champion by challenging divisional queen Stamp Fairtex.

The winner will have to wait until next year, though, as the lineal ONE Atomweight MMA World Champion has been out of action due to a knee injury and will likely make a comeback in 2025.

Zamboanga has been a top star in the division, managing to win six out of her eight fights. Meanwhile, Rassohyna is a veteran who holds a 1-1 record against the divisional champion in Stamp, and she will be eager to set up a third date with destiny.

ONE Fight Night 27 Fight Card (as it stands)

• ONE Featherweight MMA World Championship Bout: Tang Kai (c) vs. Akbar Abdullaev
• ONE Interim Women's Atomweight MMA World Championship Bout: Denice Zamboanga vs. Alyona Rassohyna