Just days away from the huge ONE: ‘Clash of Legends’ event all the fighters were brought together for a final press conference and face-off at the prestigious W Hotel in Bangkok.
The eight main fighters were presented on stage and introduced by Hua Fung Teh, ONE Championship president, before each of the participants gave a short speech and answered questions for the press.
First on the agenda was the atomweight bout between Thailand’s Rika Ishige and Cambodia’s Nou Srey Pov.
Media spotlight
There was a shy awkwardness about the young Cambodian warrior, unused to the media spotlight, but after thanking ONE Championship for the opportunity she promised to put on a show,
“Rika is someone I have followed and look up to so I am grateful for the opportunity to fight her”.
Rika revealed her preparations have gone to plan,
“I have been working on every area of my game from standing to the ground and I am confident that everyone will see all the improvements on Saturday.”
Quiet and Humble
The pre main event saw shy young Russian fighter Alaverdi Ramazanov also express his gratitude for the opportunity to fight for ONE Championship.
“I come from a small village in Dagestan, but have always loved combat sports and it has been m dream to fight on a show like this for a long time.”
Alaverdi’s opponent Muay Thai superstar Kongsak PKSaenchaigym, was like a lot of Thai fighters, quiet and humble but promised come Saturday to fight to his best in front of his home crowd.
Living legend
The main event sees Thailand face China with Muay Thai legend Nong-O Gaiyanghadao going up against Han Zi Hao in a fight hailed as ‘Master vs. Disciple’. It was the young Chinese fighter that got to speak first.
“I came to Thailand to train when I was 14 years of age as I knew the Thai fighters were the best strikers in the World. Nong-O has been my idol and I have followed his career since I was young and now I am very grateful to get the opportunity to face my idol. I am determined to be the first Chinese fighter to win a ONE Championship world title.”
Nong-O revealed his readiness and stated that he has not taken the young Chinese fighter for granted,
“I have trained hard for the fight, for about three months now and I am ready. He is very fast and has good technique, but I won’t underestimate him and I am determined to stay concentrated and not make a mistake. I am honoured to get the chance to fight for the ONE Championship bantamweight Muay Thai title and I am determined to win in front of my home crowd.”
