ONE Fight Night 22: Sundell vs. Diachkova on Prime Video will mark the much-anticipated ONE Championship debut of “Demon Blade” Wei Rui. Arguably one of the biggest MMA stars from the land of China is set to claim his fighting prowess.
On May 3, in U.S. primetime from the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, the Chinese superstar will square off with former ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion Hiroki Akimoto in a fight that has striking fans around the globe anxious with anticipation.
Wei Rui’s quest for bantamweight supremacy
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Widely recognized as one of the top 10 pound-for-pound kickboxers on the planet, Wei will come into this contest riding a 20-fight winning streak and with plenty of lofty expectations surrounding him. The 32-year-old sanda stylist, though, is no stranger to high-pressure situations. In 2017, he became the first-ever Chinese K-1 World Champion, cementing his status as a truly elite talent.
“Demon Blade” spoke about that accomplishment and what it meant for his country: “I think this is a milestone not only for me but also for Chinese kickboxing. The world recognizes myself and Chinese kickboxing.”
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Wei will now have the chance to reach another high point in his decorated career, as he’s set to take on the bantamweight kickboxing division’s #1-ranked contender – and a former titleholder, at that.
‘Demon Blade’ wants to prove himself
A win for either man at ONE Fight Night 22 could put him in line for a World Title opportunity against the winner of Jonathan “The General” Haggerty and “The Kicking Machine” Superlek Kiatmoo9 at ONE 168: Denver in September.
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Even with so much on the line, Wei is embracing the massive opportunity before him. He explained just how much it means – for both himself and Chinese kickboxing – that he’s finally competing alongside the best of the best in ONE Championship:
He further added, “First, I want to fight for my team, and I hope I can bring more honor to my team. Second, it’s about my career. I think ONE Championship is the most influential and valuable sports organization in striking around the world. I hope I can prove myself in this international event, and tell the world about China’s power.”