ONE Championship＊s return to Bangkok＊s Lumpinee Stadium on May 23 is jam-packed with elite talent and explosive matchups across three different combat sports disciplines.
Simply put, is one of the most intriguing installments of the weekly Asia primetime event series this year.
From internationally recognized superstars to surging young phenoms and everything in between, the lineup gives fans plenty of reasons to tune in.
With that said, these are five reasons why ONE Friday Fights 109 has the makings of something special.
#1 Japanese Kickboxing Superstars Debut
Two of Japan＊s most decorated strikers will make their hotly anticipated promotional debuts 每 and fans around the world should be excited to witness them.
In featherweight kickboxing action, will square off with Iranian brawler .
Still just 27 years old, the Japanese athlete boasts a trophy case that＊s bursting at the seams and notable victories over the likes of former ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion and current ONE Interim Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion .
Kaito＊s fast-paced, dynamic approach will be tested against Siasarani＊s forward-marching style and seemingly superhuman toughness.
After that, former K-1 Champion will go toe-to-toe with undefeated Russian standout in a bantamweight kickboxing clash that has fireworks written all over it.
Fresh off a sensational stoppage victory over former ONE World Champion , the 27-year-old Yoza is renowned for his thunderous kicking game and willingness to engage in a brawl. He＊ll come into this contest riding an impressive winning streak that dates back to 2021.
Osmanov, meanwhile, hopes to extend his unblemished professional record and give a rude welcome to the accomplished promotional newcomer.
#2 The Return Of Brice Delval
In the main event, will make his long-awaited return to ONE＊s global stage when he takes on surging Thai contender in a bantamweight Muay Thai tilt.
Back in 2019 and 2020, when he was just 20 years old, Delval went 0-2 in ONE, losing a pair of split decisions by the closest of margins to former ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion and Lumpinee Stadium Muay Thai World Champion .
Although he came up short on the judges＊ scorecards, the Algerian sensation left a lasting impression thanks to his all-action style and never-say-die attitude.
Now older, more experienced, and more physically developed, fans are in for a treat when ※The Truck§ steps foot inside the ONE ring.
He＊s been given no easy task for his return, though, as Yod-IQ is entering the bout on a dominant six-fight winning streak.
#3 A Main Roster Contract Could Be Up For Grabs
The ONE Friday Fights series has already produced a number of bona fide global superstars who have fought their way to six-figure contracts and spots on ONE＊s main roster.
Among those fan-favorite athletes are teenage prodigy , British scrapper , and current ONE Interim Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion , among others.
Several fighters competing at ONE Friday Fights 109 could join them as contract winners.
In addition to Yod-IQ in the main event and Osmanov against Yoza, fans should keep a close eye on Thai knockout artist and Filipino MMA star .
Any of those athletes could win the coveted prize with a strong performance at Lumpinee.
#4 Osmanov Aims To Remain Undefeated
Elbrus ※The Samurai§ Osmanov has looked nothing short of dominant over the course of his unbeaten professional career that includes a spectacular six-fight run at ONE Friday Fights.
The 23-year-old kickboxing phenom possesses absurd athletic gifts and a preternatural knack for the striking arts 每 skills that have propelled him to wins over far more experienced opposition.
Osmanov could cement himself as a world-class talent and the bantamweight kickboxing division＊s fastest-rising star if he＊s able to get past Yuki Yoza. Given the stakes of that fight, coupled with each man＊s explosive style, fans should buckle up for a barnburner.
#5 Quirante Looks To Continue Rise
Marwin ※Green Goblin§ Quirante will look to move to 3-0 in ONE when he locks horns with Russian striking specialist in a pivotal strawweight MMA showdown.
The Filipino standout has been nearly flawless in his professional career, and after two appearances and two highlight-reel finishes at ONE Friday Fights, he might just have the makings of a future ONE World Champion.
Indeed, the 22-year-old＊s well-rounded skills and relentless pursuit of the finish have quickly set him apart as one of the sport＊s most promising young talents. If he hopes to be the next torchbearer for Filipino MMA, Quirante will next have to get past the always-dangerous Dongak.
