ONE Championship CEO Chatri Sityodtong has once again challenged the UFC to a cross-promotional showdown.
While Chatri has on several occasions shown his interest in a cross-promotional event against the UFC, Dana White has often rejected the idea of going up against any other promotion.
Here are five ONE Championship vs UFC matchups we’d love to see.
Bibiano Fernandes vs Aljamain Sterling
Even at the age of 41, Bibiano Fernandes is one of the best bantamweights in the world. The Brazilian grappling ace, has only lost once in the last ten years, losing to Kevin Belingon. Although he has beaten the Filipino twice since.
Aljamain Sterling might have won the UFC bantamweight title under controversial circumstances at UFC 259, but he’s still one of the best fighters in his weight classes. A fight between the two would truly be a spectacle.
Christian Lee vs Charles Oliveira
Christian Lee believes he’s the best lightweight in the world. Historically, UFC titleholders have always been considered as the number one in their respective weight classes. However, in recent years, some of the best fighters in the world can be found outside of the UFC.
A cross-promotional fight would be a great way to settle whether ONE Championship or the UFC has the best lightweight on the planet. Both fighters also have a very similar grappling-heavy style, so it would be interesting to see how they matchup.
Reiner De Ridder vs Israel Adesanya
Israel Adesanya is one of the best strikers in the sport, while Reiner de Ridder is one of the best grapplers in all of MMA. ‘The Last Stylebender’ is a master of range and distance management, while the Dutch is one of the best when it comes to closing the distance and getting the fight to the mat.
A fight between the two would either see the UFC champion do what he does best on the feet, or de Ridder leaving Adesanya gasping for air on the mat.
Angela Lee vs Rose Namajunas
Rose Namajunas reclaimed the UFC strawweight title last month at UFC 261, needing less than two minutes to finish Zhang Weili. Angela Lee on the other hand, also competes at 115lbs in ONE Championship’s atomweight division, where she has remained the champion since winning the vacant title in 2016.
While Namajunas would have an advantage on the feet, Lee would fancy her chances on the ground. In a battle of the best promotions in the East and West, this would be an intriguing one not to be missed.
Rodtang Jitmuangnon vs Petr Yan (Muay Thai Rules)
Who wouldn’t love two high-level strikers throwing bombs at each other? Rodtang Jitmuangnon vs Petr Yan under Muay Thai rules with MMA gloves would be fireworks.
Rodtang is arguably the most fearsome striker in ONE Championship. While Yan, who trains out of Tiger Muay Thai in Thailand is known for his heavy hands. The Thai superstar provides non-stop action, as he constantly marches forward, throwing heavy shots. ‘No Mercy’ also overwhelms his opponents, but he’s more composed and technical. Both are also very violent, and a clash between the two would be a dream come true for fight fans.
Which ONE Championship vs UFC matchups would you most like to see?
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