The largest sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship, has announced its return to Beijing, China for another blockbuster evening of world-class mixed martial arts action. The card will feature the highly-anticipated showdown between featherweight champions Marat Gafurov and Narantungalag Jadambaa as well as the Beijing Featherweight Tournament II.
With an impressive victory over Martin Nguyen last month, the undefeated Marat "Cobra" Gafurov of Russia captured the interim ONE Featherweight World Championship via another signature submission finish.
Originally scheduled to face the reigning featherweight champion, Narantungalag Jadambaa, Nguyen stepped up to replace Jadambaa at the last minute when the latter encountered issues with his travel.
Gafurov has been on an absolute tear, blazing a trail of exciting wins in ONE's loaded featherweight division. He will now look to unify the featherweight titles against Jadambaa in Beijing.
"I always finish what I start," said Gafurov, who has strung together a nifty little run of 12 wins with no losses.
"When I started MMA, I wanted to be the best in my division and be crowned the ONE Featherweight World Champion. I won the interim belt in Jakarta but that is not enough for me, so now I am coming for the title."
Narantungalag Jadambaa is a Mongolian kickboxer and is the reigning ONE Featherweight World Champion.
He has been eyeing his return to the ONE Cage ever since he captured the title with a victory over Koji Oishi last year.
Now, Jadambaa will get the chance to defend his belt for the very first time against an extremely formidable opponent in Gafurov.
"Jadambaa is a strong fighter but I was born to fight. It will be an explosive match between us," said Gafurov.
For the most part, the champion seems to be willing to meet the challenge head-on, despite Gafurov's increasing reputation. He remains eager to prove to the world that the belt belongs with him.
"My ancestors are all warriors, so combat is in my blood. I will prove to the world that I am the undisputed ONE Featherweight World Champion," said Jadambaa.
I will continue to bring pride to my country. Gafurov is a tough opponent but I am tougher," said the reigning and defending ONE Featherweight World Champion.
Fans can expect a scintillating battle of prime featherweights as Gafurov and Jadambaa both aim to become the undisputed champion.
Also on the card is the co-main event of the evening. ONE Flyweight World Champion, Adriano Moraes of Brazil, will return to the ONE Cage to put his title on the line against one of Kazakhstan's top flyweights in Kairat Akhmetov.
Moraes is on a four-fight win streak which includes capturing the world title last year. The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu specialist is ready to stand his ground and defend his belt against Akhmetov who will pose as his biggest test to date.