Zebaztian Kadestam Returns to Face Isi Fitikefu at ONE Fight Night 31

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The bout card for ONE Fight Night 31 is shaping up nicely, as ONE Championship has added a blockbuster welterweight MMA fight between two experienced fighters. Former ONE Welterweight MMA World Champion Zebaztian Kadestam will take on rising star Isi Fitikefu.

"The Bandit" returns to the global stage after a hiatus of around two years on May 3 at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. Both hard hitters are in tremendous form, and this matchup has fireworks written all over it.

A big win for either fighter will strengthen their case for a shot at the title, currently held by reigning two-division ONE MMA World Champion Christian Lee. Kadestam is a well-known face in ONE Championship, celebrated for his explosive fighting style and concussive power.

He is riding a three-fight win streak. Most notably, his last victory came against Roberto Soldic, who is considered one of the best MMA fighters today. That win showcased what the 34-year-old is capable of.

Since his debut in 2017, Kadestam has amassed seven wins - all of them coming via stoppage. After failing to capture the title that year, he got another shot in 2018 and knocked out Tyler McGuire in the last minute of the bout to become the welterweight king.

Later, the Swede dropped his title to Kiamrian Abbasov and went on to lose two more bouts against dangerous Russian opponents. Just when it felt like his back was against the wall after consecutive losses, he bounced back in spectacular fashion.

That setback forged him into a better fighter, as he went on to score three consecutive knockouts over battle-hardened fighters. Now, he is ready to wear that belt around his waist once again. But his hands will be full, as Fitikefu won't go down without a fight.

The only fighter from Tonga in ONE Championship has won his previous two bouts, including a victory over Japanese veteran Hiroyuki Tetsuka. "Doxz" knows that a win over Kadestam could make him a serious contender, and he will look to capitalize on that opportunity.

ONE Fight Night 31 will be headlined by a flyweight Muay Thai bout between Kongthoranee So Sommai and Nong-O Hama, while ONE Welterweight Submission Grappling World Championship match will be the co-main event. Here is a look at the fight card as it stands:

ONE Fight Night 31 Card

• Flyweight Muay Thai: Kongthoranee Sor.Sommai vs. Nong-O Hama
• ONE Welterweight Submission Grappling World Championship: Tye Ruotolo (c) vs. Dante Leon
• Welterweight MMA: Zebaztian Kadestam vs. Isi Fitikefu
• Bantamweight Muay Thai: Saemapetch Fairtex vs. Abdulla Dayakaev