ONE Championship superstar and top lightweight contender Shannon “One Shin” Wiratchai battles Rasul Yakhyaev of Russia in the main event at ONE: Warriors of the World on December 9 at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.
The bout is a lightweight title eliminator, with the winner going on to challenge the ONE Lightweight World Champion.
Chatri Sityodtong, Chairman and CEO of ONE Championship said he is confident that fight fans will get their money’s worth when they watch the promotion headlined by Wiratchai.
“This main event we have lined up is sure to produce fireworks as Thailand’s biggest martial arts star, Shannon Wiratchai, showcases his skills inside the ONE Championship cage against Russia’s Rasul Yakhyaev,” said Sityodtong
Wiratchai expressed his confidence ahead of the fight promising an entertaining evening for his Thai fans.
“If you’re a fan of non-stop action and excitement, come and see us at the Impact Arena on December 9. It’s going to be an amazing show. I am preparing very hard so that I can make Thailand proud. I know my opponent is incredibly well-rounded and highly-skilled, so I will surely not be taking him lightly. It’s going to be an absolute battle from beginning to end,” said Wiratchai.
Yakhyaev was equally confident and expressed his gratitude for the chance to fight in another ONE Championship promotion.
“I have improved so much as a martial artist. Now, I am confident in all of my skills. I am coming to Thailand to take on its toughest warrior. Thank you to ONE for the opportunity of a lifetime, I will definitely bring my best inside the cage,” said Yakhyaev.
Wiratchai is a mainstay of Bangkok Fight Lab. He trains in various martial arts disciplines at home in Bangkok, including Muay Thai, boxing, wrestling, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. An offensive innovator, Wiratchai likes to be creative with his striking, employing a myriad of unpredictable off-angle elbows and kicks.
Yakhyaev is a lightweight martial arts star who has racked up a solid following over his seven year professional career. He is adept in both striking and mat techniques, and is considered a solid contender with tremendous combat skills. Four of Yakhyaev’s victories have come by submission while three have come by knockout. He made his ONE Championship debut in December of 2015, falling to Lowen Tynanes by submission. Yakhyaev now seeks redemption as he takes on Wiratchai.