IN 2022, ONE Championship welcomed an array of talented athletes to its roster, with many of them making their debuts in remarkable fashion.
Spectators across the globe witnessed these warriors put their martial arts skills on full display, showcasing their determination, technique, and athleticism.
Here, we highlight three of newcomers who made unforgettable first entrance’s into the Circle this year.
Smilla Sundell
At just 17 years old, Smilla Sundell made her ONE Championship debut and emphatically demonstrated that age is no barrier to success.
At her first fight at ONE: FULL CIRCLE in February, “The Hurricane” delivered a spectacular third-round knockout of Diandra Martin after dominating the fight.
Sundell then went on to make history, becoming the youngest World Champion in ONE after defeating Jackie Buntan for the inaugural ONE Women’s Strawweight Muay Thai World Championship at ONE 156: Eersel vs. Sadikovic in April.
Jonathan Di Bella
Jonathan Di Bella was up for the challenge when he took his first steps into the Circle at ONE 162.
The Italian-Canadian faced Zhang Peimian for the vacant ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Championship, a daunting task for any athlete.
But Di Bella rose to the occasion, battling “Fighting Rooster” over the course of five intense rounds, eventually earning the unanimous nod to become the new strawweight kickboxing king.
Kade And Tye Ruotolo
Together, Kade and Tye Ruotolo made a powerful impression in their debut year on the ONE Championship stage, earning their honorary spot together on this list.
After dominating their respective bouts at ONE 157: Petchmorakot vs. Vienot in May with Kade defeating MMA legend Shinya Aoki by decision and Tye submitting grappling kingpin Garry Tonon, they solidified their spot on the ONE Championship submission grappling roster.
After Kade successfully defended his ONE Lightweight Submission Grappling World Championship and Tye picked up his second win of the year, the Ruotolo brothers finished 2022 with a combined 5-0 record in the Circle and are poised to make even more waves in 2023.
Download the ONE Super App to catch all the action at ONE Fight Night 6: Superbon vs. Allazov on Saturday, January 14, at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.
