It's official. The long rumored ONE Championship event in Bangkok will take place at the Impact Arena on May 27. It will be an event called ONE: KINGDOM OF WARRIORS and is expected to feature some big names in Asian mixed martial arts, including ONE Strawweight World Champion, Thailand's own Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke.
Led by new ONE Championship President of Thailand Kamol 'Sukie' Sukosol Clapp, the event is set to electrify an arena expected to be packed to the rafters. Headlining the fight card is former multiple-time Lumpinee champion Dejdamrong. Famous Thai bands Bodyslam and Big Ass are also set to provide explosive musical entertainment to the audience.
Thailand has a history steeped in a rich martial arts background, being the birthplace of Muay Thai. Also known as "The Art of Eight Limbs", Muay Thai utilizes the eight major contact points of the body in hand-to-hand combat. It is one of MMA's most widely-used disciplines and its origins can be traced back to 16th century Thailand.
"The Kingdom of Thailand has an undeniably rich martial arts history, and I am personally excited to bring ONE Championship, the world's most exciting MMA promotion and Asia's largest sports media property, to fans in the country who have been patiently waiting for years," said Clapp.
"One of our greatest champions, Dejdamrong [Sor Amnuaysirichoke], cannot wait to return home and defend his belt in front of a hometown crowd."
Dejdamrong is the first Thai national in history to claim a world championship in MMA. He has built a solid career in ONE Championship, producing highlight reel finish after finish. His dominance has also proven absolute, having successfully defended his belt against a tough opponent in his last bout. Undefeated after six professional fights, Dejdamrong is delighted to showcase his skills as he returns home to defend his title in front of friends and family in Bangkok.
"I have waited a long time for this. Coming home to Thailand and performing in front of my people has always been my greatest dream. Now, it's become a reality. I vow to protect the title and bring the belt back home to Bangkok again as champion. It is an honor and a privilege to receive this opportunity," said Dejdamrong.
Aside from its inaugural event, ONE Championship will also hold 10 Live ONE events officially broadcasted throughout this year, and shows aired every Saturday night beginning 12 March 2016 at 10:00pm on Thairath TV.