ONE: GLOBAL SUPERHEROES – The Bang‑Bang Preview
Manila’s Mall of Asia Arena turned into a ring of fireworks on Friday, 26 January. The fighters hit the canvas looking for glory, and the crowd? Well, they came for a full‑metal performance. The PRELIMINARY card was as explosive as a thundery start‑up, and none of the bouts made it to the second round. Here’s the juicy breakdown of the action that had everyone on the edge of their seats.
Edward “The Ferocious” Kelly – A 21‑Second Sensation
- ~ 21‑Second KO vs. Meas Meul (Cambodia)
- ~ Head kick, jaw‑dropping knockout
- ~ Kevin’s fastest featherweight finish in ONE
- ~ Updated record: 10‑4
Kelly, the local hero, rippled into the corner, and before the round’s second handshake, he was launching a cascade of punches that made Meus gasp in the air. Then, with a heel‑soaked kick that landed perfectly on the “button,” the electrifying KO folded the match in a mere 21 seconds. Bro, that’s a record‑setting 0.35‑minute knockout!
“The Zamboanginian Fighter” Jomary Torres – The 40‑Second Slam Artist
- ~ 40‑Second slam KO vs. April Osenio
- ~ From takedown to one‑arm slam
- ~ Fastest women’s competition win in ONE history
- ~ Updated record: 4‑0, undefeated
Torres stared the 22‑year‑old challenger down for a quick swoop. An agressive takedown? Check. A snap counter that brought the opponent to the ground with enough force to make a couch shake? Double‑check. The result? A spectacular crash. Those hammer fists? Just icing the cake. The crowd was ecstatic—a living proof that a 40‑second slam can change the game in one breath.
Why It Matters
These performances are not just about speed; they’re about strategy, heart, and a splash of Filipino pride that fuels the entire arena. In the instant tally:
- Edward Kelly’s rapid KO reinstates him as Manila’s favorite.
- Jomary Torres sets a new bar for women’s knockout speed—an inspiration for future generations.
- Both fighters missed the chance to fight again in the main event, but they stamped out a rainbow in their brief appearances.
With a record for fastest wins in both divisions sealed, the ONE than-you just dropped the mic in Manila, and the stadium echoed with “Taga‑Pangasinan, you’ve got the gold!”
Bottom Line
In the fast‑paced world of ONE Championship, the 26th of January will forever stand as a shining hiccup of unprecedented high‑speed fight finishes. Edward’s 21‑second head‑kick dance and Jomary’s 40‑second slam may have ended races, but the stories they wrote will stay in the roaring echo of the Mall of Asia Arena. Stay tuned—next round, bigger fireworks await!
Rajinder Singh Meena Pulls a Houdini on “The Ghost” Zhang Ze Hao
On Republic Day, the party was set up in India—but the real fireworks came in the octagon when Rajinder Singh Meena turned a string of heartbreaks into a headline‑making victory. After a series of hard‑losed losses against top‑tier opponents, Meena came out swinging and delivered a jaw‑dropping submission that left the crowd and the commentators alike cheering.
- First Round: The both fighters dove into an explosive tatting, trading punches that seemed to echo across a silent stadium.
- The Takedown: As Zhang tried to shimmy back, Meena hammered a perfectly timed right hand, sending the 25‑year‑old straight to the canvas.
- Guillotine Attack: Quickly rolling onto the ground, Meena slipped into a guillotine choke, sliding back into his guard and sealing the deal.
- Finish: Less than a minute into the fight, Zhang tapped out, leaving Meena the only champion in the ONE lightweight division.
With this 42‑second knockout submission, the Indian fighter finally broke into the promotion’s win column, turning his setback into a triumph that will be remembered for years to come.
Adrian “Papua Badboy” Matheis Dazzles with Second Straight Rear‑Naked Choke
In Manila’s Mall of Asia Arena, the 24‑year‑old Indonesian strawweight Adrian “Papua Badboy” Matheis extended his winning streak with a clutch submission that left his opponent gasping.
- Dynamic Brawl: The fight started off with a wild scramble on the feet and a flurry of kicks from Eddey “The Clown” Kalai which almost turned the bout into a dance contest.
- Ground Game: As the fight slipped to the mat later in the round, Matheis seized the opportunity to set up a rear‑naked choke.
- Finish: With a swift hook into Kalai’s back and a lock on his throat, the Indonesian’s grin turned into a grimace, forcing a tap at 4:15 into the opening round.
Matheis’s latest win marks his second consecutive battle ending in a submission finish, echoing the impressive performance he had as far back as September. With another victory in his lap, the “Papua Badboy” is steadily making a name for himself in ONE’s bantamweight division.
