ONE FC: Kings & Champions - Fight Card Updates

[Keithlewis]

Boku versus Aoki Set for ONE FC Lightweight Title on April 15


Singapore: ONE FC Lightweight World Champion Kotetsu "No Face" Boku makes his first ever title defense against current number one contender and one of the greatest submission grapplers the sport of MMA has ever seen, Shinya "Tobikan Judan" Aoki, on Friday, 5 April 2013, when ONE Fighting Championship returns to the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

Kotetsu Boku defeated Brazilian contender Zorobabel Moreira at ONE FC: RISE OF KINGS in October 2012 to earn the inaugural ONE FC Lightweight World Championship title belt while Aoki earned his shot at the title following a devastating submission victory over Arnaud Lepont.

CEO of ONE Fighting Championship Victor Cui stated, "ONE FC will make history again on 5 April when we go live on STAR SPORTS for the first time across 28 countries to an estimated 500 million viewers. This is a huge step in the progress of ONE FC and is a testament to our ever-increasing following all across Asia. This event will be the biggest in ONE FC history and features the top names in MMA, headlined by a Lightweight World Championship showdown between submission ace Shinya Aoki and our reigning world champion Kotetsu Boku. Close to 12,000 fans will pack out the Singapore Indoor Stadium to witness the greatest sporting spectacle in Asia. Don't miss it!"

ONE FC Lightweight King Kotetsu Boku is no stranger to adversity. He is a tenacious competitor who has never backed down from a tough fight. Boku ignited the crowd at the sold-out Singapore Indoor Stadium at on 6 October 2012 with a massive come-from-behind victory over Zorobabel Moreira at 0:31 seconds of round 3, earning him the first ever ONE FC Lightweight World Championship title. With six wins in his last seven fights, Boku is enjoying one of the most successful spells of his career. There is no doubt that the fight on 5 April will be his toughest test to date when he squares off against Shinya Aoki.

Shinya Aoki is the DREAM Lightweight Champion and has beaten MMA legends like Tatsuya Kawajiri, Marcus Aurelio and Rich Clementi. He holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo which has earned him a reputation as one of the most dangerous submission artists the sport of MMA has ever seen. His last outing with ONE FC saw him put Arnaud Lepont "to sleep" by triangle choke in front of his adopted home of Singapore, earning him the opportunity to fight for the ONE FC Lightweight Title. The famed "Grandmaster of Flying Submissions" is looking forward to showcasing his legendary skills once again to his fans when he enters the ONE FC cage at ONE FC: KINGS & CHAMPIONS.

[Keithlewis]

Eddie Ng versus Arnaud Lepont Added to ONE FC: Kings & Champions


Singapore: ONE Fighting Championship has announced that hard-hitting Hong Kong native Eddie "The Magician" Ng will square off against ferocious slugger Arnaud "The Game" Lepont at ONE FC: KINGS & CHAMPIONS which takes place live from the Singapore Indoor Stadium on 5 April 2013.

CEO of ONE Fighting Championship Victor Cui stated, "ONE FC: KINGS & CHAMPIONS will be the biggest in ONE FC history and features the top names in Asian MMA. Eddie Ng and Arnaud Lepont will be a slug fest that fans don't want to miss. Both fighters are at the top of their game and have a lot to prove and they are well-known brawlers who have never backed down from a fight. Get ready for a knockout of the night!"

Eddie Ng is one of the top MMA fighters to emerge from Hong Kong. He is a BJJ expert who showed that he also has excellent stand up skills when he knocked out his opponent at ONE FC: WAR OF THE LIONS in just 43 seconds of round 1. On 5 April, he will be looking to do the same when he battles the brash French MMA champion Arnaud Lepont. Ng will hold nothing back from securing another resounding win on Asia's largest MMA stage.

Arnaud Lepont is legendary for his charisma and crazy entrances and always goes looking for the KO right from the start of the fight. Lepont has outstanding striking skills and keeps moving forward during his fights. Although he lost his last fight, he has been working tirelessly to improve his ground game and promises to bring his best at ONE FC: KINGS & CHAMPIONS.

ONE FC: KINGS & CHAMPIONS is headlined by a ONE FC Lightweight World Championship bout between reigning champion Kotetsu "No Face" Boku against number one contender Shinya "Tobikan Judan" Aoki.

[Keithlewis]

Bantamweight GP Semifinals Set for ONE FC: Kings & Champions


Singapore: ONE Fighting Championship announced that the ONE FC Bantamweight Grand Prix semi-final fights will be featured at ONE FC: KINGS & CHAMPIONS. The event will take place live from the Singapore Indoor Stadium on 5 April 2013. Former Lightweight World Champion from the United States, Jens Pulver, will take on Japan's Masakatsu Ueda and Kevin Belingon of the Philippines will face Vietnamese-Australian Thanh Vu.

CEO of ONE Fighting Championship Victor Cui stated, "ONE FC: KINGS & CHAMPIONS is the biggest event in ONE FC history and will feature four of the world's best Bantamweights fighting for a shot at the Bantamweight World Championship title. It is a must-see for MMA fans because when these four champions enter the ONE FC cage, nothing will matter more to them than making it into the finals of the Grand Prix. Get ready for explosive MMA action that will leave you on the edge of your seats!"

Jens Pulver is a former Lightweight World Champion whose career has seen him compete for the top promotions in the history of MMA, the UFC, PRIDE and ONE FC. Pulver loves to represent the USA and he has every intention of capping his incredible career by winning the ONE FC Bantamweight Grand Prix. A true pioneer in the sport of MMA, Pulver brings a wealth of cage fighting experience as he faces Japanese veteran Masakatsu Ueda.

Masakatsu Ueda is the former undisputed Shooto Featherweight Champion, a title he successfully defended three times. He has an outstanding 16-2-2 record and is a widely regarded as one of the best Bantamweight fighters in the world. Ueda has studied BJJ extensively under legendary Japanese coach Yuki Nakai, who has also trained DREAM superstar Shinya Aoki. After making his debut in 2005, he has defeated the current Bellator Bantamweight Champion Eduardo Dantas while defending the Shooto Championship Belt. With his impressive track record, Ueda will definitely be one of the favorites to win the ONE FC Bantamweight Grand Prix.

What Kevin Belingon may lack in size, he makes up for with his lightning speed and well-honed striking skills. The current URCC Flyweight Champion is considered one of the most dangerous strikers in the Asian Bantamweight division. He sets a fearsome pace and can either shoot for takedowns to rough opponents up with ground-and-pound or keep it standing and pick them apart with his pinpoint precision striking. Belingon was incredibly enthusiastic about representing Pinoy warriors in the inaugural ONE FC Bantamweight Grand Prix because, as he puts it, there is no better feeling than fighting for Filipino pride.

Thanh Vu is a Vietnamese-Australian Bantamweight who is already rated as one of the best prospects in his weight class in Australia, where he currently competes. Vu is a decorated grappler who has placed in the Grappler's Realm Australia and Events BJJ tournaments. Vietnam has a strong culture of martial arts but has produced few famous fighters and Vu is looking forward to representing the country in competitive action on the largest stage in Asian MMA. He made quick work of his opponent in the Final Elimination Bout in February and will look to do the same again in April.

ONE FC: KINGS & CHAMPIONS is headlined by the ONE FC Lightweight World Championship bout between reigning champion Kotetsu "No Face" Boku and number one contender Shinya "Tobikan Judan" Aoki.

[Keithlewis]

Manhoef versus Larson Added to ONE FC: Kings & Champions


Singapore: ONE Fighting Championship has announced that knockout specialist Melvin "No Mercy" Manhoef (27-9-1) will square off against USA's very own Brock Larson (36-7-0) at ONE FC: KINGS & CHAMPIONS which takes place live from the Singapore Indoor Stadium on 5 April 2013.

ONE FC: KINGS & CHAMPIONS will be broadcast live on STAR SPORTS across Asia. This historic moment will mark the first time ever a live Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) event will be broadcast on the network. ONE FC: KINGS & CHAMPIONS will be available live in 28 countries to an estimated 500 million viewers.

Fans from around the world can also witness the action online via livestreaming at www.onefc.livesport.tv. The undercard fights are available for viewing free-of-charge and the main card fights will be available for purchase at just US$9.99.

CEO of ONE Fighting Championship Victor Cui stated, "ONE FC: KINGS & CHAMPIONS will be the biggest in ONE FC history and features the biggest names in MMA. I'm beyond excited to see two of the most thrilling middleweights in the world square off at the state-of-the art Singapore Indoor Stadium. Melvin Manhoef vs Brock Larson has all the ingredients for a possible Fight of the Night with one of the world's most-feared strikers squaring off against a grappler who has submitted 24 opponents in his career. I know fans cannot wait to watch these warriors collide on 5 April."

Manhoef is an MMA legend and KO artist who finished 25 opponents with his thunderous punches. He is a hard-hitting fighter who always looks for the knockout. His reputation inside the cage has been built over the years by defeating some of the world's best fighters. Be prepared for some exciting action when this experienced fighter lets loose his stunning knockout power and seeks to bring the fight to an early end when he meets Brock Larson at ONE FC: KINGS & CHAMPIONS.

Larson is the latest top North American fighter to sign with ONE FC and is one of the most experienced MMA fighters to enter the ONE FC Middleweight division. Larson holds notable wins over John Alessio, Carlo Prater and Mike Pyle. He has worked his way to the top of the North American Welterweight division and is now stepping up a weight-class as he seeks to make a name for himself on the largest stage in Asian MMA. Currently, he is on a three fight win streak and will look to make it four when he locks up with Manhoef on 5 April.

ONE FC: KINGS & CHAMPIONS is headlined by a ONE FC Lightweight World Championship bout between reigning champion Kotetsu "No Face" Boku against number one contender Shinya "Tobikan Judan" Aoki.

[Keithlewis]

[BongUser]

One FC Offers Live Online PPV of “Kings and Champions” Kotetsu Boku vs. Shinya Aoki

One FC 8 Kings & Champions PosterOn Friday, April 5, ONE Fighting Championship presents ONE FC: KINGS & CHAMPIONS live on Pay-Per-View online around the world at www.onefc.livesport.tv. This event will feature the highly anticipated ONE FC Lightweight World Championship title fight between Kotetsu “No Face” Boku and Shinya “Tobikan Judan” Aoki.

Kotetsu Boku defeated Brazilian contender Zorobabel Moreira at ONE FC: RISE OF KINGS in October 2012 to earn the inaugural ONE FC Lightweight World Championship title belt while Aoki earned his shot at the title following a devastating submission victory over Arnaud Lepont.

Fans from around the world can also witness the action online via livestreaming at www.onefc.livesport.tv. The undercard fights are available for viewing free-of-charge and the main card fights will be available for purchase at just US$9.99.

ONE FC Lightweight World Champion Kotetsu Boku is no stranger to adversity. He is a tenacious competitor who has never backed down from a tough fight. Boku ignited the crowd at the sold-out Singapore Indoor Stadium at on October 6, 2012, with a massive come-from-behind victory over Zorobabel Moreira at 31 seconds of round 3, earning him the first ever ONE FC Lightweight World Championship title. With six wins in his last seven fights, Boku is enjoying one of the most successful spells of his career. There is no doubt that the fight on April 5 will be his toughest test to date when he squares off against Shinya Aoki.

Shinya Aoki is the DREAM Lightweight Champion and has beaten MMA legends like Tatsuya Kawajiri, Marcus Aurelio and Rich Clementi. He holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo which has earned him a reputation as one of the most dangerous submission artists the sport of MMA has ever seen. His last outing with ONE FC saw him put Arnaud Lepont “to sleep” by triangle choke in front of his adopted home of Singapore, earning him the opportunity to fight for the ONE FC Lightweight Title. The famed “Grandmaster of Flying Submissions” is looking forward to showcasing his legendary skills once again to his fans when he enters the ONE FC cage at ONE FC: KINGS & CHAMPIONS.