The fight world holds its breath as ONE Championship announces a highly anticipated unification bout for the Strawweight Kickboxing World Championship. On October 3rd, at ONE Fight Night 36 in Bangkok, Thailand, two formidable champions—Prajanchai and Jonathan Di Bella—will step into the circle to settle what can only be described as unfinished business.
A Rematch Born of Brilliance
This isn`t their first dance. Prajanchai, the reigning ONE Strawweight Kickboxing and Muay Thai World Champion, currently ranked 7th in Beyond Kickboxing`s -58kg division, previously locked horns with Jonathan Di Bella, the interim Strawweight Kickboxing champion and 9th in the same rankings, in June 2024. That encounter was a masterclass in tactical warfare: five rounds of relentless action where Di Bella’s signature speed met Prajanchai’s versatile striking arsenal. The decision was close, leaving fans and perhaps the fighters themselves, with a lingering sense of “what if?”
The Champions` Paths to Unification
Since their last kickboxing showdown, both athletes have remained active, sharpening their tools. Prajanchai, a dual-sport phenom, successfully defended his Muay Thai belt earlier this year in February, reminding everyone of his devastating power and technical prowess. Meanwhile, Di Bella has been a busy man, racking up impressive victories against Rui Botelho and even overcoming the legendary former kickboxing champion and Muay Thai great, Sam-A. Each victory has only amplified the hunger for this rematch, cementing their positions at the pinnacle of the strawweight division.
The Stakes: Undisputed Glory
For Di Bella, this fight is more than just another title defense; it`s a quest for undisputed validation. Holding an interim title, while a significant achievement, inherently implies there`s a true king to be crowned. As he candidly put it to the Bangkok Post:
“He`s the champ now… I have to go after him.”
This statement encapsulates the profound respect between these competitors, coupled with the fierce determination to claim absolute supremacy.
Prajanchai, on the other hand, aims to cement his legacy further. Already a double-champion, unifying the kickboxing belt would solidify his status as one of the most dominant forces in ONE Championship, erasing any doubts about who reigns supreme in the strawweight kickboxing realm.
A Clash of Styles in Combat`s Heartland
Bangkok, Thailand, the spiritual home of Muay Thai, provides a fitting backdrop for this colossal clash. It`s a stage where tactical brilliance and raw power are equally revered. Fans can anticipate a captivating display where Di Bella`s lightning-fast combinations and footwork will challenge Prajanchai`s diverse striking, powerful kicks, and adept defensive maneuvers. Will Di Bella`s relentless pace overwhelm the Thai veteran, or will Prajanchai`s experience and calculated attacks once again find their mark?
The anticipation is palpable. This unification bout is not merely a rematch; it`s a narrative unfolding, a story of two champions pushing the boundaries of their sport, each determined to leave the circle as the undisputed king. Mark your calendars, because come October 3rd, history will be made, and a singular champion will emerge to claim the ultimate glory in the ONE Strawweight Kickboxing division.
Murray Blackwood