The world of combat sports often promises fireworks, but few events deliver the kind of unpredictable drama seen at ONE Friday Fights 126. From controversial stoppages to underdog victories, this night in Bangkok proved that in the ring, anything can — and often does — happen.
The Main Event`s Unceremonious Halt: Anane vs. Ennahachi
Expectations were sky-high for the headliner clash between former flyweight kickboxing champion Ilias Ennahachi and bantamweight Muay Thai phenom Nabil Anane. Fans anticipated a technical masterclass, a clash of titans with high stakes. What they received, however, was a masterclass in anticlimax. In the third round, an accidental low blow from Anane brought the contest to an abrupt, unceremonious halt, resulting in a no-contest ruling.
The fight itself had been a whirlwind of contentious moments. Anane, known for his dynamic striking, made an immediate statement in the opening round, sending Ennahachi to the canvas with a perfectly timed straight right. Yet, even this early highlight wasn`t without its detractors, with many questioning the referee`s judgment – a recurring theme of the evening, it would seem. Anane continued his aggressive onslaught, unleashing powerful body kicks and spinning attacks, seemingly building momentum. But as the third round began at a furious pace, one misplaced kick changed everything, leaving both fighters and fans in a state of unresolved frustration.
Beyond the Headliner: A Card Full of Twists
While the main event’s conclusion might have left a sour taste, the rest of ONE Friday Fights 126 offered its own distinct flavors of drama, reaffirming the volatile charm of combat sports.
Liu Mengyang`s Dominance Over “Shadow”
In the co-main event, Liu Mengyang delivered a performance that transcended mere victory, securing a unanimous decision over the formidable third-ranked Muay Thai fighter, Shadow. Liu was relentless from the first bell, pushing Shadow into a high-pressure, close-range battle. Despite Shadow`s sharp combinations and powerful kicks, it was Liu’s sheer toughness and unwavering pressure that dictated the pace. A decisive left hook knockdown shifted the fight unequivocally in his favor, cementing an impressive upset victory. It was a clear demonstration that sometimes, sheer will and relentless forward momentum trump rankings.
Youthful Prowess: Adam vs. Toma Kuroda
The card also showcased the bright future of the sport, particularly through the remarkable performance of 17-year-old Adam. Facing former K-1 champion Toma Kuroda, the young Thai fighter displayed maturity beyond his years. Adam largely controlled the three-round battle with precise kicks and consistent jabs, keeping the debuting Kuroda under constant pressure. While Kuroda fired back with his own combinations, Adam’s offense carried a palpable sense of urgency and power, earning him a closely contested, but well-deserved, decision victory. It was a passing of the torch, or at least a firm handshake across generations.
The Rematch from Hell: Botelho vs. Peimian
Perhaps no fight encapsulated the night`s chaotic spirit more than the heated rematch between Zhang Peimian and Rui Botelho. This wasn`t merely a fight; it was a saga of fouls, controversies, and the kind of officiating that keeps commentators on their toes. Zhang pressed forward with characteristic aggression, but Botelho, a seasoned warrior, began to turn the tide late in the fight. A massive knee in the third round connected devastatingly, splitting Zhang`s forehead. The visible damage proved critical in the judges` eyes, leading to Botelho clinching a split decision victory in a contest that felt less like a sporting event and more like a gladiatorial spectacle. One could almost hear the collective gasp as the outcome was announced, highlighting the razor-thin margins that define these high-stakes encounters.
The Enduring Appeal of Unpredictability
ONE Friday Fights 126 was a reminder that combat sports, particularly Muay Thai and kickboxing, are never truly predictable. They are a raw blend of athletic prowess, strategic gambles, and the inherent possibility of human error – both from fighters and officials. While the main event’s conclusion was undoubtedly disappointing for those hoping for a decisive finish, it, alongside the dramatic turns of the undercard, underlined the thrilling, often frustrating, yet ultimately captivating nature of these disciplines. Fans tune in not just for the knockouts, but for the stories that unfold, the unexpected twists, and the sheer, unadulterated human drama that plays out in the ring, often with a flair that even the best scriptwriters couldn`t conjure.
Gareth Fenton 
Ellis Thorne