ONE Championship continues to elevate the excitement surrounding its upcoming event, ONE 170, taking place on January 24 at Bangkok’s Impact Arena. The title fight between bantamweight champion Fabricio Andrade and challenger Won Il Kwon is creating significant buzz among fans and fighters alike. This match marks Andrade’s first title defense since his impressive championship win against John Lineker in February 2023.
At only 27 years old, Andrade boasts a professional record of 9-2 and has quickly made a name for himself within the mixed martial arts community. His victory over Lineker showcased his capability and resilience, highlighting not only his striking power but also his ability to capitalize on the smallest of advantages during a fight. Andrade’s championship opportunity was interrupted with a foray into kickboxing, where he faced Jonathan Haggerty—a bout that didn’t go as planned and resulted in a second-round stoppage. However, Andrade is now focused on solidifying his legacy in MMA and is determined to emerge victorious in this title defense.
On the other side of the octagon stands Won Il Kwon, a seasoned fighter with a professional record of 14-4. Known for his striking and powerful finishing ability, Kwon has been on a tear since his previous matchup with Andrade in June 2022, where he suffered a first-round defeat due to a liver kick. Since that loss, Kwon has rebounded impressively, finishing three consecutive opponents, the latest being a second-round victory against Shinechagtga Zoltsetseg in January. Kwon’s aggressive style and improved skill set make him a formidable challenger ahead of this highly anticipated rematch.
ONE 170 is shaping up to be an action-packed card featuring explosive matchups beyond the Andrade vs. Kwon title fight. The event will also showcase Tawanchai PK Saenchai defending his muay Thai lightweight title against former champion Superbon Banchamek, along with other thrilling contests such as Superlek Kiatmoo9 vs. Nico Carrillo for the muay Thai featherweight title. These bouts promise to highlight the best talent in the region and elevate the stakes for all competitors involved.
As anticipation builds for ONE 170, fans are eagerly awaiting what promises to be an electrifying night of fights. Andrade’s return to the octagon with a title on the line against a resurgent Kwon adds a layer of intensity that is hard to ignore. The culmination of their previous encounter, combined with Kwon’s recent successes, sets the stage for a thrilling rematch. ONE Championship continues to innovate and deliver high-caliber events, and January 24 is poised to be a significant date on the MMA calendar.