Doha, Qatar: The much-awaited action today, March 1, 2024, promises to be a historic day as ONE Championship makes its highly anticipated debut in the vibrant nation of Qatar.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Lusail Sports Arena, ONE 166: Qatar is poised to be a groundbreaking event, highlighting a stellar lineup of global superstars and Middle Eastern talents.
As the countdown to fight night kicks off, here are five of the biggest reasons why fans need to see this landmark affair.
1. Qatar hosts first major combat sports event
Qatar has a rich history of hosting major sporting events, including the Asian Games in 2006 and the FIFA World Cup in 2022.
Now, ONE 166 marks the first time the country will stage a premier combat sports extravaganza.
The momentous occasion will offer a 10-bout card, featuring a trio of captivating World Championship duels on the marquee, as well as a supporting cast of intriguing matchups.
On the heels of its successful return to Japan this past January, the promotion will keep the momentum rolling with an unforgettable evening of martial arts action.
2. World title rematches headline ONE 166
ONE 166 is stacked at the top of the bill with three World Title rematches.
The spotlight falls on the headlining ONE Middleweight MMA World Title clash. There, Reinier de Ridder defends his crown against a familiar foe in two-division king Anatoly Malykhin.
Meanwhile, lineal champion Tang Kai and interim titleholder Thanh Le are slated to duke it out for the second time to determine the undisputed ONE Featherweight MMA World Champion.
Adding to the anticipation, Joshua Pacio continues his quest for redemption. He’ll look to even the score when he challenges Jarred Brooks for the ONE Strawweight MMA World Title.
3. Anatoly Malykhin is on the cusp of history
Malykhin has already etched his name in the record books as the ONE Heavyweight and Light Heavyweight MMA World Champion.
However, his thirst for excellence does not stop there. At ONE 166, “Sladkiy” moves down a weight class to challenge De Ridder for the ONE Middleweight MMA World Title.
What makes this encounter even more tantalizing is that Malykhin previously defeated De Ridder for the light heavyweight belt in December 2022.
Now, in a high-stakes rematch, the Russian hard-hitter targets to bolster his legacy as the first simultaneous three-division MMA World Champion in history. To achieve this unprecedented feat, he must beat “The Dutch Knight” once more.
4. Boxing returns To ONE Championship
Mehdi Zatout has decided to come out of retirement to be a part of ONE's inaugural event on Qatari soil.
In his return, Zatout — a French-Algerian striker who previously held the ISKA and WBC Muay Thai World Titles — is booked to slug it out with WBC Middle East Champion Zuhayr Al-Qahtani in a 147-pound boxing match.
For those unfamiliar, it's worth noting that this is not ONE’s first rodeo with “the sweet science.”
In October 2018, the promotion spearheaded Srisaket Sor Rungvisai's triumphant defense of the WBC Super Flyweight World Title against Iran Diaz.
Now, the world’s largest martial arts organization aims to showcase the perfect blend of talent and excitement in its sophomore boxing endeavor.
5. MENA in full force At ONE 166
In addition to Mehdi Zatout and Zuhayr Al-Qahtani, the upcoming blockbuster card will bring together the top martial artists from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
This includes Iranian powerhouse Amir Aliakbari, who looks to move an inch closer to a shot at Malykhin’s ONE Heavyweight MMA World Title by prevailing over former champion Arjan Bhullar.
Moreover, Yemeni-Saudi Arabian savant Osamah Almarwai — the first-ever Middle Eastern IBJJF Black Belt World Champion — seeks to elevate his star power at ONE 166 by squaring off against Cleber Sousa in a flyweight submission grappling showdown.
ONE 166 will also see the promotional debuts of Turkiye’s Zafer Sayik and Morroco’s Zakaria El Jamari. Sayik takes on Vladimir Kuzmin in a catchweight Muay Thai contest, while El Jamari locks horns with Ali Saldoev in a flyweight Muay Thai matchup.
Full card
ONE Middleweight MMA World Championship: Reinier de Ridder (c) vs. Anatoly Malykhin II
ONE Featherweight MMA World Championship: Tang Kai (c) vs. Thanh Le (ic) II
ONE Strawweight MMA World Championship: Jarred Brooks (c) vs. Joshua Pacio II
Heavyweight MMA: Arjan Bhullar vs. Amir Aliakbari
Catchweight (147lbs) Boxing: Zuhayr Al-Qahtani vs. Mehdi Zatout
Flyweight Submission Grappling: Osamah Almarwai vs. Cleber Sousa
Catchweight (147.75lbs) Muay Thai: Zafer Sayik vs. Vladimir Kuzmin
Flyweight Muay Thai: Zakaria El Jamari vs. Ali Saldoev
Bantamweight Muay Thai: Shinji Suzuki vs. Han Zi Hao
Strawweight MMA: Keito Yamakita vs. Jeremy Miado
