ONE Championship put on their most prominent card to date, as they televised their first event on a major American channel. ONE televised their biggest stars in Demetrious Johnson and Eddie Alvarez, but there weren’t many other fights to watch aside from their bouts, especially on the TNT main card. However, the promotion’s best fighters still need new match-ups, and here are some to make.
Eddie Alvarez vs. Kimihiro Eto
Eddie Alvarez lost his bout by disqualification due to punches to the back of the head, and as unfortunate as it is, it’s still a legitimate loss. Alvarez has not had the success in ONE Championship that many thought he would have, possibly because of his age or the underestimation of the promotion’s talent, but the truth is that he can’t compete with the top fighters. However, a journeyman with a lot of experience like Kimihiro Eto would be a competitive fight for both men, with either one being able to come out on top.
Iuri Lapicus vs. Saygid Guseyn Arslanaliev
Iuri Lapicus may have been the one carried out on a stretcher, but he still won his fight. As the rankings dictate, Saygid Guseyn Arslanaliev should be the next fight for Lapicus, as they are the number one and two men in the division. The winner of this fight would undoubtedly get a title shot, and hopefully their bout will have a different ending.
Demetrious Johnson vs. Kairat Akhmetov
Demetrious Johnson came in as a heavy favorite against Adriano Moraes for a reason, and that reason is because he was seen as perhaps the greatest fighter in the world. Despite that perception, Moraes gave “Mighty Mouse” the first ever knockout of his career, and made him look like a fighter of the past. Kairat Akhmetov is close to Johnson in the rankings, and with both men just recently being seen as beatable, this fight could be a launching point for another title run for either man.
Adriano Moraes vs. Danny Kingad II
Adriano Moraes proved why he is a champion by knocking Demetrious Johnson, and could possibly be argued as the best 135 pound fighter on the planet. After denying the legend from taking his title, his list of contenders is shallow, but a rematch with Danny Kingad should present him with a challenge. Kingad is someone who brings the fight out of his opponents, and if Moraes manages to win, then he could put another impressive win on his record.