ONE: 'Heroes of the World' preview (Pt. 1)

ONE: "Heroes of the World" mixed martial arts (MMA) event is set for the Cotai Arena in Macau this Saturday night (local time) and is headlined by an interim flyweight title fight between Adriano Moraes and Andrew Leone Tilek Batyrov. The card features several fights which have the potential to be title eliminators.

The likes of Adrian Pang, Christian Lee, Mei Yamaguchi, and Joshua Pacio will all feel that a win in Macau might be enough to ensure their next fight is for a belt while local interest is provided by Hong Kong's Eddie Ng who takes on former ONE featherweight champion Honorio Banario.

Here's my preview of the first half of the card (as always with ONE weights are normal walking weight)

125 lbs.: Joshua Pacio Vs. Kritsada Kongsrichai

ONE Championship's strawweight division is still in its infancy meaning that either man could potentially secure a title shot with a win here. Kritsada Kongsrichai (4-2) comes from a wrestling background and is known for his takedowns although his striking is improving.

Joshua Pacio (7-0) fights out of Team Lakay and is more of an all rounder. He has Wushu based striking and likes a takedown, he might struggle to get Kongsrichai down but the Filipino's stand up skills make him a slight favourite to win this fight.

145 lbs.: Ma Hao Bin Vs. Chan Rothana

Ma Hao Bin (2-1) is a former national wrestling champion and won both of his ONE Championship fights with a quickfire guillotine choke. He also got submitted by a relatively inexperienced fighter from Tajikstan which suggests that his grappling game is still not at the very highest level.

Chan Rothana (4-1) has a background in traditional martial arts but fights out of a serious MMA camp in Phnom Penh. His only loss was by DQ and he subsequently avenged it but this will be a serious test of the Cambodian's ground game and he is probably the underdog.

155 lbs.: Ma Jia Wen Vs. Jimmy Yabo

Ma Jia Wen (2-2) is only 19 but is already a veteran of four ONE Championship fights. Despite coming from a wrestling background the Chinese teenager seems very content to keep fights standing and to bide his time waiting for an opportunity to land a big overhand right.

Jimmy Yabo (5-3-0-1) has a Taekwondo base and it was something of a surprise when he knocked Bashir Ahmed out with a single punch last year. It's the FIlipino's only win in his four ONE Championship fights and the Chinese fighter will be the favourite here.

265 lbs.: Alain Ngalani Vs. Alexandre Machado

Alexandre Machado (7-2) is a BJJ black belt but striking is not his strong point which could be bad news for the Brazilian because Alain Ngalani (2-2-0-1) is a Muay Thai and kickboxing veteran. The Camerounian is one of the most powerful fighters in the heavyweight division and has some devastating spinning strikes.

Ngalani isn't a novice on the ground but Machado will be at a big advantage if he can get the fight down. That should make the Brazilian a strong favourite but he got knocked out by a much less accomplished striker in his last fight so anything could happen here.

ONE: "Heroes of the World" will be available to view on various TV networks and can be purchased for $9.99 USD from here.

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