ONE Championship ha announced a stacked fight card for ONE 171: Qatar (Photo by onefc.com)
Get ready for fireworks, fight fans! ONE Championship has just announced via press release from RG a stacked fight card for ONE 171: Qatar, set to go down on February 20, 2025, at the Lusail Sports Arena. The Singapore-based promotion is pulling out all the stops for this event, featuring not one, but two World Title bouts guaranteed to set the cage on fire.
Haggerty Defends Bantamweight Kickboxing Gold Against Wei Ru
In the first title fight, charismatic British striker Jonathan Haggerty will put his coveted ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Title on the line against the experienced Chinese kickboxer Wei Rui. Haggerty, affectionately known as "The General," has taken the kickboxing world by storm with his aggressive style and thunderous kicks. He captured the belt with a stunning knockout victory over Thai legend Muang Thai P.K. Saenchai in 2023 and has successfully defended it once since.
Wei Rui, on the other hand, is a seasoned campaigner with a wealth of experience under his belt. A multiple-time national champion in China, Rui is known for his technical prowess and well-rounded skillset. This matchup promises to be a clash of styles, with Haggerty's raw power going up against Rui's calculated striking.
Pacio-Brooks Trilogy Reaches Boiling Point in Strawweight Unification Bout
The other World Title fight is a highly anticipated rematch, or rather, the rubber match, between Filipino sensation Joshua Pacio and the outspoken American challenger Jarred Brooks. These two warriors have already shared the cage twice, with each man claiming a victory. Their first encounter at ONE: Winter Warriors II in 2020 saw Pacio retain his strawweight crown via split decision. However, Brooks evened the score with a dominant decision win at ONE X in March of this year, capturing the interim strawweight title in the process.
This upcoming unification bout promises to be a nail-biter. Pacio, the former undisputed champion, will be looking to reclaim his throne and prove he's still the king of the strawweight division. Brooks, on the other hand, will be aiming to silence the doubters and solidify his reign as the new strawweight kingpin. With bad blood simmering between these two, expect a fight filled with intensity and drama.
While these two World Title fights are the main attractions, ONE Championship has hinted at more blockbuster matchups to be announced in the coming weeks. With ONE's reputation for consistently delivering exciting fights, fight fans can expect a stacked card filled with top contenders and rising stars.
This event also marks a significant milestone for ONE Championship's expansion into the Middle East. The promotion has partnered with Visit Qatar and Media City Qatar to bring world-class martial arts to the region. This collaboration signals ONE's commitment to growing its global fanbase and showcasing the beauty and dynamism of martial arts to a new audience.
With two World Title fights, a heated rivalry coming to a head, and the promise of more exciting matchups to come, ONE 171: Qatar is shaping up to be an unmissable event for any martial arts enthusiast. Mark your calendars for February 20th, 2025, and get ready for a night of unforgettable action inside the ONE Championship cage.
Garrett Kerman is an American sports writer specializing in MMA, boxing, and betting news. He has established himself as a prominent voice in combat sports journalism, providing expert analysis and breaking news. Kerman has covered major events and conducted interviews with notable figures in the industry, showcasing his extensive knowledge and passion for the sport. His insights are widely sought after by fans and bettors alike.
