Under The Radar: 3 Fights To Watch at ONE 168: Denver

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ONE 168: Denver is just days away as the biggest card in ONE Championship history takes over Denver, Colorado's Ball Arena on Saturday, 7 September. And from top to bottom, none of the action can afford to be missed.

While the headliner sees two-sport ONE Bantamweight World Champion Jonathan Haggerty defend his Muay Thai crown against flyweight kickboxing supreme Superlek Kiatmoo9, there are plenty of other bouts worthy of your attention.

The undercard of the event features the likes of John Lineker, Adrian Lee, Liam Harrison and Alyse Anderson among others. With that said, let's look at three bouts flying under the radar at ONE 168.

3 Under The Radar Fights to Watch at ONE 168: Denver

1. John Lineker vs. Asa Ten Pow: In a contest that's bound to be thrilling for as long as it lasts, former ONE Bantamweight MMA World Champion John Lineker makes his debut in 4-ounce Muay Thai action when he meets Asa Ten Pow this weekend.

Lineker has solidified himself as a bona fide knockout artist throughout his MMA career, destroying 18 opponents with his punishing strikes. And now that he doesn't have to worry about takedowns or grappling, fans are advised not to blink when "Hands of Stone" starts throwing heavy artillery.

But Ten Pow will compete on home soil against Lineker in Denver while in the midst of a career-best run in ONE Championship. "The American Ninja" finished veteran striker Han Zi Hao before demolishing Rambolek Chor Ajalaboon with a head kick.

The ethos both men bring to the fight makes for an intriguing battle. And when the two collide this weekend, fans should anticipate a barnburner for the duration in what will certainly be a fight of the night contender.

2. Hiroyuki Tetsuka vs. Isi Fitikefu: The welterweight MMA division also sees a pivotal bout play out as Hiroyuki Tetsuka and Isi Fitikefu look to topple one another to further establish themselves as a contender for the division's gold.

Tetsuka has long been a member of ONE's welterweight MMA ranks, but only recently has he managed to reach the upper echelon. The standout performances got under back in 2021, when he knocked out Agilan Thani. He's finished four more adversaries since.

Adding another name to that collection in Fitikefu would certainly boost his World Title hopes, but the Tongan has a chip on his shoulder, and he wants to prove his worth, too.

"Doxz" suffered defeat in his promotional debut, losing his undefeated slate to Ruslan Emilbek Uulu. But he responded in tremendous fashion by submitting Valmir Da Silva inside the first round at ONE Fight Night 9. And now a victory over a rampant star in Tetsuka could elevate him much higher.

3. Sean Climaco vs. Johan Estupinan: The card opener is another battle that could be over before it even gets going when Sean Climaco meets Johan Estupinan in flyweight Muay Thai action that will certainly have the fans on their feet and ready for more.

The American Climaco got off to a great start at ONE Fight Night 22, dispatching Josue Cruz inside one round to assert his authority. And he plans to exact the same plan upon Estupinan. But the Colombian shares a similar sentiment.

"Panda Kick" arrived at ONE Friday Fights 64 earlier this year where he steamrolled Kouta Omori inside the first round. Remaining unscathed, he brought his fire back to face Zafer Sayik at ONE 167, defeating him across three dominant rounds.

But now in his new home of flyweight, Estupinan will want to make a stunning statement against Climaco in his third outing since May to show he's the hottest new thing on the block.