ONE Championship’s Featherweight Showdown: Li Kai Wen vs. Emilio Urrutia
On Friday, July 13, the Prelude Card of ONE: Pursuit of Power ignited a fight that everyone called a “Bout of the Night.” The two featherweights, Li Kai Wen – the “Underdog” from China – and Emilio Urrutia – nicknamed the “Honey Badger” from the US – battled for 11 heart‑racing minutes in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Round One: All‑Out Assault
From the opening bell, both fighters dropped their mouth guards and brought the heavy leather. Li’s raw power made the difference—his right hand sent Urrutia to the canvas twice. Yet the American driver in the ring never gave up. He persisted, securing crucial takedowns and turning the tide in his favor.
Round Two: Urrutia’s Comeback
After taking a punishing first round, Urrutia stepped up his game. Li’s energy seemed drained and slower. Urrutia fired accurate jabs and low kicks, gaining control of the pace. The Tiger Muay Thai fighter was on the offensive, dominating the down‑beat of the fight.
The Decisive Third Round
- As the Underdog began to tire, the Honey Badger looked poised to win the bout.
- However, Li’s timing was impeccable. He landed a hard right hand behind Urrutia’s ear.
- He followed up with a flurry of punches, using the last of his energy for a spectacular finish.
The stoppage came at 1:22 of the final round, handing Li his eighth ONE Championship victory and cementing his place among the top featherweight contenders.
Li’s Rising Path
Li’s record now stands at 9‑4, with a streak of three consecutive finishes. The Chinese fighter’s non‑stop style has drawn huge fanfare and shows he’s a force to be reckoned with in the division.
Urrutia’s Resilient Spirit
Although his record slipped to 11‑6, Urrutia’s performance in Malaysia kept his reputation intact. He remains a formidable opponent, and his fight in Kuala Lumpur was a testament to his tenacity.
Final Thoughts
It was a matchup that lived up to every hype. The Underdog proved that raw power, resilience, and a bit of heart can turn the tide—while the Honey Badger reminded us that even in a loss, a fighter’s grit can spark respect. On to the next round, folks—ONE Championship is just getting started!
