The 30-year-old Filipino has won the strawweight crown on three separate occasions, making him one of only two fighters to hold the same ONE World Title through three separate reigns. His numbers back up that pedigree, with a 24-5 career MMA record featuring 19 finishes and a 15-5 promotional mark that includes 10 highlight-reel stoppages.

Pacio’s road to legendary status has never been a straight line. He first won the title at 22 in a rematch against Yoshitaka Naito, lost it in his opening defense to Yosuke Saruta, then reclaimed it that same year via knockout.

Three successful defenses followed before Jarred Brooks dethroned him in 2022. Pacio answered in 2024, capturing the title for a third time in a rematch against Brooks, then unified the belt in a trilogy fight at ONE 171: Qatar in 2025.

His most recent outing only added to the résumé, a first-round submission finish of Mansur Malachiev this past July that showed the champion remains as dangerous as ever.

Yamakita presents a completely different puzzle. The 30-year-old Japanese wrestler out of Reversal Gym Shinjuku Me and We holds a 13-1 career record with six finishes and a 6-1 mark inside the promotion, currently riding a five-fight winning streak that includes victories over former ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion Alex Silva and Saruta.

A perfect 7-0 professional run preceded his 2023 arrival in ONE, where his world-class grappling has consistently taken opponents down and out.

The stylistic contrast sets up a compelling championship chess match, with Pacio’s well-rounded striking and submission game meeting Yamakita’s dominant wrestling and ground control. A successful defense would only deepen Pacio’s case as one of the greatest champions in ONE history, while a win for Yamakita would announce his arrival among the sport’s elite.

READ MORE: Freddie Haggerty To Face Tough-As-Nails Rungruanglek At The Inner Circle 33

• Facebook
• Instagram
• X
• Google

The post Multi-Time ONE World Champion Joshua Pacio Puts Legacy On The Line Against Keito Yamakita first appeared on Sidekick Boxing.

The bantamweight kickboxing matchup streams live from Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan, and carries real weight for two fighters chasing very different kinds of validation.

Yoza’s run through the division has been nothing short of remarkable. The 28-year-old Team Vasileus standout opened his ONE career by outclassing then-undefeated Elbrus Osmanov, then outpointed former ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion Petchtanong Petchfergus before shocking the world with a unanimous decision win over reigning ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion Superlek.

That momentum carried him to a title shot against Jonathan Haggerty at ONE SAMURAI 1, a five-round war he came up short in. He responded with a solid decision win over Ben Woolliss at The Inner Circle 22 in July, and now holds a 23-3 striking record with nine stoppages and a 4-1 promotional mark.

Anane’s story carries its own share of peaks and valleys. The 22-year-old Algerian-Thai star made his ONE debut at 19 with a loss to Thai megastar Superlek in Muay Thai, then won five straight to earn an interim title shot against Nico Carrillo, whom he finished via TKO.

He avenged his debut loss to Superlek two months later and rose to undisputed ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion, before switching disciplines entirely to chase kickboxing gold. That transition brought a no contest against Ilias Ennahachi, a win over Hiromi Wajima, and a five-round loss of his Muay Thai crown to Rambolek Chor Ajalaboon.

Most recently, a split-decision defeat to Suakim Pongsuphan PK left the towering 6-foot-4 striker searching for answers heading into Tokyo.

Both fighters know exactly what a win here means. Yoza would put himself back in line for another shot at gold, while Anane would prove his recent setbacks were only a temporary detour on his path back to championship-level form.

READ MORE: Is Moses Itauma’s Hype Over? What’s Next After His Brutal Loss to Filip Hrgovic?

• Facebook
• Instagram
• X
• Google

The post Yuki Yoza And Nabil Anane Collide In Battle Of Contrasting Comeback Stories first appeared on Sidekick Boxing.

The 21-year-old Englishman meets Rungruanglek TN Muaythai in a strawweight matchup streaming live from Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok at 6:30 p.m. local time.

Haggerty’s road to this point has been anything but conventional. Before ever stepping into a ring, he spent his childhood performing in West End productions of Matilda and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, even picking up the violin along the way.

Combat sports eventually won out, and the younger brother of ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion Jonathan Haggerty built a decorated amateur resume, capturing multiple British and European Muay Thai titles before signing with ONE Championship in 2024.

He introduced himself to the promotion’s global audience in emphatic fashion, reeling off three consecutive knockouts to open his run. A step up in competition brought his first setback, a unanimous decision loss to Jordan Estupinan, before Haggerty responded in his most recent outing with a hard-fought decision win over Yonis Anane.

That result pushed his ONE record to 4-1, with three finishes across five bouts.

Rungruanglek presents an entirely different kind of challenge. The 20-year-old TN Muaythai representative out of Ubon Ratchathani has yet to taste defeat inside the promotion, compiling a perfect 5-0 record built on a mix of pressure and finishing instinct.

His run includes back-to-back stoppages of Imam Gadzhiev and Kraithong PU Phabai, a decision nod over Payaksurin JP Power, and a gritty comeback win over Face Erawan in his most recent appearance. That fight saw him rocked and dropped by a head kick before he rallied with a flurry of punches to close the show and escape with a unanimous decision.

Both fighters arrive in Bangkok with clear intentions. Haggerty wants to hand Rungruanglek his first loss inside the ONE ring and continue chasing the same championship path his brother has already walked. Rungruanglek, in turn, knows a win over a name as recognizable as Haggerty’s would put a ONE Championship contract firmly within reach.

Whichever way the scorecards or the finish sequence break, September 11 promises to tell fight fans a great deal about where each fighter’s career goes from here.

READ MORE: Is Moses Itauma’s Hype Over? What’s Next After His Brutal Loss to Filip Hrgovic?

• Facebook
• Instagram
• X
• Google

The post Freddie Haggerty To Face Tough-As-Nails Rungruanglek At The Inner Circle 33 first appeared on Sidekick Boxing.

Itauma had entered the fight with enormous expectations. At just 21, he was already being talked about as one of heavyweight boxing’s biggest future stars, having built an unbeaten record largely through devastating knockout performances. His victory over Dillian Whyte had only accelerated the hype surrounding him.

Against Hrgovic, however, Itauma experienced the harshest lesson of his young career.

The defeat was particularly difficult to watch because Itauma appeared to be in control for much of the fight. He even dropped Hrgovic early and looked on course for another impressive victory before the momentum dramatically shifted in the later rounds.

Itauma’s Hype Has Taken a Hit, But It Isn’t Over

There is no question that the Hrgovic defeat changes the way Itauma will be viewed.

Before the fight, he was being discussed almost exclusively as a future champion. His unbeaten record, knockout power and composure at such a young age had created the impression that he could become one of the defining heavyweights of the next generation.

Now, there are legitimate questions about whether he was pushed toward the top too quickly.

But writing Itauma off after one loss would be a mistake.

The 21-year-old was competitive against an experienced heavyweight and was actually ahead before his performance deteriorated. The biggest issue appeared to be his conditioning and pacing. Itauma fought at an intense pace and ultimately paid the price when Hrgovic remained dangerous deep into the contest.

That experience could prove invaluable.

The biggest difference between a talented prospect and an established heavyweight is often the ability to manage a difficult fight when everything isn’t going according to plan. Itauma has now experienced that situation for the first time.

His hype may have been dented, but his talent has not disappeared overnight.

SHOP: Kickboxing Equipment

Being Carried Out on a Stretcher Changes the Conversation

The most worrying part of the night came after the stoppage, when Itauma had to be carried out of the arena on a stretcher.

The images immediately changed the mood surrounding the fight. What had initially looked like a devastating upset became a reminder of just how physically demanding heavyweight boxing can be.

Itauma was subsequently taken to hospital, making his recovery the obvious priority before any discussion about his next opponent.

At 21, there is absolutely no reason for Itauma to rush back into another major fight. His team should allow him to recover fully before deciding how to rebuild his career.

What Comes Next for Moses Itauma?

The smartest move would probably be to forget about another world-title fight for now.

Itauma needs rounds, experience and time to develop. A return against a solid but manageable heavyweight would allow him to rebuild his confidence while working on the weaknesses exposed by Hrgovic.

A rematch could eventually make sense because Itauma was performing well before the dramatic turnaround. But immediately jumping back into another dangerous fight would carry unnecessary risk.

The Hrgovic defeat does not have to define Itauma’s career. In fact, it could become the fight that ultimately makes him a better fighter.

The hype is certainly quieter now. The expectation that Itauma is destined to become an unstoppable heavyweight has taken a serious blow.

But he is still only 21.

For now, the question isn’t whether Moses Itauma is finished. It is whether he can learn from the most difficult night of his career and come back as a more complete heavyweight.

If he can, the hype may eventually return only this time, it will be backed by experience rather than potential alone.

READ MORE: Chase DeMoor vs Kevin Nagle: How To Watch WBC US Silver Championship Fight

• Instagram
• Facebook
• X
• Google

The post Is Moses Itauma’s Hype Over? What’s Next After His Brutal Loss to Filip Hrgovic? first appeared on Sidekick Boxing.

No official announcements have been made about the signing, but UFC CEO Dana White has mentioned the possibility. Given his fan following, many have talked about Nurmagomedov fighting a big name in the current lightweight roster.

With Team Khabib’s ongoing rivalry with Ilia Topuria, there were rumours about Nurmagomedov fighting the former champion. However, according to veteran fighter Dan Hooker, ‘El Matador’ will not be taking that risk in his comeback fight.

“Usman’s going to come in and fight Ilia Topuria. Get f**ked be serious. You think Ilia Topuria is going to take the risk of fighting like an unranked not UFC fighter? No one else wants to take the risk….none of these other guys in the division want to risk it for the biscuit. So they call up Dan Hooker, they offer him a bit of danger money and he welcomes these boys to the big leagues,” said Dan Hooker via Submission Radio.

In his last outing, Topuria was brutally beaten up by Justin Gaethje, who became the new UFC lightweight champion. Since then, Topuria has started training, but there are no talks about his comeback fight anytime soon.

SHOP: Kickboxing Equipment

There are other big names such as Paddy Pimblett, Arman Tsarukyan, etc that could entertain a fight with Usman Nurmagomedov. Usman Nurmagomedov is currently undefeated in MMA and is well-versed in wrestling as well as striking. The fighter recently saw his cousin Umar getting knocked out by Song Yadong in the main event of UFC Shanghai.

The lightweight division is already filled with killers who are desperate to beat Justin Gaethje and take his belt. It would be interesting to see whether the Russian can recreate the legacy left by Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev.

READ MORE: Chase DeMoor vs Kevin Nagle: How To Watch WBC US Silver Championship Fight

• X
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Google

The post “Get F**ked, Be Serious”- Dan Hooker Doubts Ilia Topuria Will Fight Usman Nurmagomedov In UFC Return first appeared on Sidekick Boxing.

Despite Song’s preparation, Umar remained the major fan favourite, especially with Khabib Nurmagomedov supporting his cousin from inside the corner. After a closely contested opening round, Umar attempted to reestablish his wrestling dominance during the second round against the dangerous Chinese contender.

However, as Umar dipped forward while attempting a takedown, Song perfectly timed his counter and landed a devastating right uppercut. The punch immediately rendered Umar unconscious, sending him crashing onto the canvas before Song landed one follow-up strike afterward.

Referee Marc Goddard instantly recognized the severity of the situation, stepping between both fighters and stopping the contest immediately. The aftermath became equally memorable as Umar’s teammate Usman Nurmagomedov entered the octagon, visibly frustrated by his cousin’s shocking knockout defeat.

Usman appeared close to confronting Song physically, but the situation eventually calmed before emotions escalated into something more serious inside. Once the chaos settled, Song respectfully acknowledged Khabib, while the former champion helped wipe blood from Yadong’s face afterward.

SHOP: Kickboxing Equipment

Merab Dvalishvili reacts to Umar Nurmagomedov’s loss

Umar Nurmagomedov and Merab Dvalishvili rivalry has been going around for a long time now. Ahead of this fight, both fighters shared some online insults and were hoping to fight each other once again.

However, nobody had expected Umar Nurmagomedov to get knocked out like this, and Dvalishvili made a comment on X. Following the win, Song Yadong made sure to call for his title shot against the champion.

READ MORE: Chase DeMoor vs Kevin Nagle: How To Watch WBC US Silver Championship Fight

• X
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Google

The post Song Yadong Knocks Out Umar Nurmagomedov Cold In Front Of Khabib Nurmagomedov At UFC Shanghai first appeared on Sidekick Boxing.

Makhachev dominated most exchanges and beat Anderson Silva’s incredible 16 consecutive win record in UFC. However, the pound-for-pound king wasn’t able to finish Garry or impose his will like he used to in the lightweight division.

Top welterweight contender Carlos Prates was on the Octagon side for the fight and has shared his opinion about potentially beating Makhachev. “Man, honestly I think I got even more confident man. Because of the stuff l’ve seen and the time we have to train, I said man I think it’s possible,” said Carlos Prates via YouTube.

Prates defeated Jack Della Maddalena via TKO in his last bout, extending his winning streak to three consecutive victories in the UFC. The Brazilian possesses fight-changing knockout power and believes he has the ability to become the first fighter to stop Makhachev.

Several experts, including Joe Rogan, have suggested that Makhachev should eventually return to the lightweight division. However, Makhachev appears comfortable competing at welterweight, where avoiding difficult weight cuts has become increasingly valuable as he gets older.

SHOP: Kickboxing Equipment

Carlos Prates criticises Ian Garry’s performance against Islam Makhachev

After winning against Ian Garry, Islam Makhachev has talked about coming back later this year. Top names such as Carlos Prates and Michael Morales are the front runners for the welterweight title shot.

However, Makhachev has mentioned how he would prefer to fight Prates next. Prates has also talked about how Garry was overly friendly with Makhachev, which resulted in his loss.

“It’s not that good-natured; it’s like Aldo once said about playing possum to get the upper hand. [Garry] pretends to be your friend in there and then Makhachev thinks I’ve already scored I’m good, and then bam take a kick to the face it’s over, brother,” continued Carlos Prates.

Prates has shown respect to Makhachev but is ready to knock out the Dagestani next time they meet inside the Octagon. It will be interesting to see whether Makhachev can get a finish in the welterweight division.

READ MORE: Chase DeMoor vs Kevin Nagle: How To Watch WBC US Silver Championship Fight

• X
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Google

The post “I Think It’s Possible”- Carlos Prates Grows More Confident About Beating Islam Makhachev Following UFC 330 Performance first appeared on Sidekick Boxing.

DeMoor has become one of crossover boxing’s most recognizable heavyweight names, and he will look to add another championship belt to his collection when he faces the experienced Nagle at the Encore Boston Harbor in Everett, Massachusetts.

The fight is scheduled as an eight-round heavyweight contest. DeMoor enters with a professional record of 6-2-1 with six knockouts, while Nagle brings an 11-8 record with eight knockouts. Nagle is also a former WBC USA Silver Heavyweight Champion.

SHOP: Kickboxing Equipment

How To Watch Chase DeMoor vs Kevin Nagle

Chase DeMoor vs Kevin Nagle will take place on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at the Encore Boston Harbor in Massachusetts.

The WBC US Silver Heavyweight Championship fight will be streamed live on BXNG TV. The platform describes itself as a boxing streaming service available worldwide across devices.

Fans can access the event through the BXNG TV live-streaming platform, where the promotion’s live boxing events are listed.

Event: Boston Harbor Fight Night 2
Fight: Chase DeMoor vs Kevin Nagle
Title: WBC US Silver Heavyweight Championship
Date: Saturday, August 29, 2026
Venue: Encore Boston Harbor, Everett, Massachusetts
Rounds: Eight
Streaming: BXNG TV

Chase DeMoor vs Kevin Nagle

DeMoor will be looking to continue his momentum in the heavyweight division against a fighter with considerably more professional experience. The 6-foot-3 American has built a following through both crossover boxing and his appearances in reality television, but his boxing career has increasingly become the focus.

Nagle represents a significant test for DeMoor. The Massachusetts heavyweight has previously held the WBC USA Silver Heavyweight Championship and will be competing in front of a home-state crowd.

The matchup adds an interesting dynamic to Boston Harbor Fight Night 2, with DeMoor attempting to capture the WBC US Silver title while Nagle looks to reclaim championship status.

The card will also feature undefeated Francis “Frank The Tank” Hogan in the main event against Ricardo Ruben Villalba, while DeMoor vs Nagle is one of the card’s major heavyweight attractions.

READ MORE: Hirata And Radzuan Run Back Their Historic Rivalry At ONE SAMURAI 4

• Instagram
• Facebook
• X
• Google

The post Chase DeMoor vs Kevin Nagle: How To Watch WBC US Silver Championship Fight first appeared on Sidekick Boxing.

Cesar originally arrived on short notice as a replacement for an injured Perreira, stepping in against ONE veteran Lito Adiwang and walking away with a statement unanimous decision that put the flyweight division on notice. Now the two finally collide directly, extending a connection that began before they ever shared the same cage.

Perreira’s own path has been anything but conventional. The Hawaii-born, Ohio-based finisher saw his promotional debut end in a TKO loss that was later overturned to a no contest after he suffered a knee injury requiring ACL surgery.

He has since returned to form in dramatic fashion, most recently producing a 38-second spinning backfist knockout of fellow American Gilbert Nakatani that instantly became one of the year’s highlight reels.

Cesar, for his part, has quietly built a nine-fight winning streak that now puts his undefeated momentum directly opposite Perreira’s perfect 6-0 record.

The card’s second addition carries its own compelling redemption arc. Karen Ghazaryan, the Armenian finisher who suffered the only loss of his career in his promotional debut against Hiroba Minowa, gets a fresh opportunity against South Korea’s Lee Seung Cheol.

Ghazaryan answered that setback in emphatic fashion, stopping Hisashi Ezaki via TKO in his very next appearance, and every one of his five career wins has come by finish.

Standing across from him, Lee has quietly built one of the more understated success stories in the strawweight division. Four straight wins on ONE Friday Fights earned him a six-figure contract, and he has continued that run with victories over Fabio Henrique and Bokang Masunyane since arriving on the bigger stage.

Both matchups headline October 2 with something to prove, and neither man shows any interest in a cautious approach given what each stands to gain from a statement performance.

READ MORE: Moses Itauma vs Filip Hrgovic Prediction: Who Will Win the IBF Heavyweight Title?

• Facebook
• Instagram
• X
• Google

The post Two MMA Additions Highlight New ONE Fight Night 48 Storylines first appeared on Sidekick Boxing.

With a US$100,000 contract hovering within reach, Hussain insists he is in no rush to chase it, preferring a measured path over a fast track to bigger shows.

“I believe I’m quite close to getting the contract. But there’s no rush for me. There have been guys who have gotten the contract quickly, but when they go on to the big shows, they’re being defeated and getting exposed,” he said. “My team and I want to do it slowly. But yeah, a big win here would get me that contract. So, it won’t really be a surprise. I think it’s my time.”

Having studied the contrast in styles closely, Hussain believes his durability and shot selection give him a clear advantage over Isannuea heading into fight night.

“I’m more durable, and I have a bigger volume. I can pick my shots correctly and precisely when compared to him because he sometimes misses his shots, which takes a lot of energy out of you,” he explained. “I think that’s gonna work in my favour. I can get this done with a knockout either in round two or round three with an elbow, or a spinning elbow.”

Beyond the finish he is predicting, Hussain also wants Friday’s performance to showcase just how complete his game has become since joining the promotion.

“My normal style just focuses on aggression and my boxing. But over the years, I’ve faced a lot of different guys here, and I’ve picked up better skills to switch it up on the fly,” he said. “I think I’m the most balanced fighter in ONE. Most fighters have one style, but I can switch it up on them, and I’ve done that in my last few fights.”

READ MORE: Moses Itauma vs Filip Hrgovic Prediction: Who Will Win the IBF Heavyweight Title?

• Facebook
• Instagram
• X
• Google

The post Ubaid Hussain Breaks Down His Game Plan For Isannuea Showdown first appeared on Sidekick Boxing.