Top 5 youth vs. experience clashes in ONE Championship

#4. Yoshihiro Akiyama vs. Agilan Thani - ONE: Legendary Quest

Yoshihiro ‘Sexyama’ Akiyama made his ONE Championship debut at ONE: Legendary Quest, where he faced former world title challenger Agilan Thani.

Entering their bout, the 24-year-old Malaysian has struggled against more experienced fighters. His only three losses in ONE Championship have been at the hands of then-world champion Ben Askren, and future titleholders Zebaztian Kadestam and Kiamrian Abbasov.

Meanwhile, Akiyama has showcased his talents across the globe and was looking to make a statement in his first match back in Asia.

The two warriors competed in an epic three-round battle, with both hungry for a victory. ‘Sexyama’ was looking for a breakthrough win after a three-year hiatus, while Thani wanted to bounce back from the first losing streak of his career.

While it was a back-and-forth affair for most of the contest, the young Thani appeared to gain confidence as the fight went on, going toe-to-toe with the Japanese legend.

Ultimately, ‘The Alligator’ overcame Akiyama’s experience and got the nod from all three judges to spoil the 44-year-old’s ONE Championship debut.

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#3. Christian Lee vs. Shinya Aoki - ONE: Enter the Dragon

After Shinya Aoki won the ONE lightweight world title for the second time, the Japanese legend surprised the world by calling out ONE Championship featherweight contender Christian Lee.

Aoki trains with Lee at the famed Evolve Gym in Singapore and believed that the young lion had what it takes to challenge for a world title.

When they finally met in the circle, ‘Tobikan Judan’ held nothing back against his teammate and almost took his arm out with a tight armbar. Lee refused to quit, though, and found a way to get back on his feet and survive the opening round.

In the second, Lee took advantage of his length and youthful vigor to unload powerful strikes to drop Aoki to the mat. ‘The Warrior’ continued to rain down punishment on his opponent until the referee jumped in to stop the contest and crowned Lee as the new king of the division.