5 reasons to watch ONE: NextGen III

#4. Muay Thai stars aim for ONE kickboxing gold

It’s a Muay Thai invasion in the ONE flyweight and bantamweight kickboxing divisions.

First, bantamweight Nak Muay Rodlek PK.Saenchai Muaythaigym starts the show by making his ONE kickboxing debut opposite Felipe Lobo of Brazil. With an unbelievable record of 129-42-5 under Muay Thai rules, Rodlek’s striking is first class. It will be gripping to see the 31-year-old compete without the ability to use his knees and elbows due to the bout being held under kickboxing rules.

Next, multi-time Lumpinee and Rajadamnern Stadium Muay Thai world champion Panpayak Jitmuangnon will fight under ONE kickboxing rules for the second time. In his first venture, Panpayak put forward a strong unanimous decision victory over a veteran in Masahide Kudo. He will now meet a young speedster in Spain’s Daniel Puertas, as the stakes continue to rise.

Will the Muay Thai invasion be a success? The only way to find out is to tune in.

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#3. Top ONE strawweights Rene Catalan and Alex Silva meet again

There will be a lot on the line when Rene Catalan and Alex Silva meet again, eight years removed from their first fight.

Catalan has more than a spot in the rankings to fight for. The 42-year-old dropped his 2013 bout with ‘Little Rock’ via armbar, which led to both of his brothers, Ruel and Robin, challenging the veteran Silva.

Unfortunately for the Catalan clan, all three brothers came up short as Silva secured a submission victory in each bout. Now, 10 fights later, the 42-year-old Catalan has a chance to avenge his family’s defeats and jumpstart his final sprint towards world title contention.

For Silva, a loss would significantly hamper his hopes of reclaiming the belt he once held. After winning three of his last five, Silva feels his game is rounding out nicely, making him a more dangerous version of the former ONE strawweight world champion.