In a thrilling announcement that has set the MMA world abuzz, ONE Championship has unveiled plans for an electrifying fight card at ONE 171: Qatar. As reported by RG, the event is slated for February 20, 2025, at the prestigious Lusail Sports Arena, promising an unforgettable night of martial arts action.
We’ve got two EPIC World Title fights set for ONE’s return to Qatar on February 20 👑👑 Get your early bird tickets NOW and don’t miss all the action 👉 https://t.co/xIMFKipraz pic.twitter.com/JpCnuaEflz
— ONE Championship (@ONEChampionship) December 9, 2024
The Singapore-based promotion is pulling out all the stops, featuring not one, but two World Title bouts that are sure to keep fans on the edge of their seats.
Haggerty Defends Bantamweight Kickboxing Crown
In the first title fight, British sensation Jonathan “The General” Haggerty will put his ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Title on the line against Chinese kickboxing ace Wei Rui. Haggerty, known for his aggressive style and devastating kicks, captured the belt with a spectacular knockout victory over Thai legend Muang Thai P.K. Saenchai in 2023. Since then, he has successfully defended his title once, cementing his status as one of the most exciting strikers in the sport.
Wei Rui brings a wealth of experience to this matchup. A multiple-time national champion in China, Rui is renowned for his technical prowess and well-rounded skillset. This clash of styles promises fireworks, as Haggerty’s raw power meets Rui’s calculated striking.
Pacio-Brooks Trilogy Reaches Its Climax
The second World Title fight features a highly anticipated rubber match between Filipino phenom Joshua Pacio and outspoken American challenger Jarred Brooks. This bout will unify the ONE Strawweight World Championship, with both men having tasted victory against each other in the past.
Their rivalry began at ONE: Winter Warriors II in 2020, where Pacio retained his strawweight crown via a razor-thin split decision. Brooks evened the score at ONE X in March of this year, capturing the interim strawweight title with a dominant decision win. Now, with the scores tied at one apiece, this trilogy fight will determine the undisputed king of the strawweight division.
ONE 171: Qatar marks a significant step in ONE Championship’s expansion into the Middle East. The promotion has partnered with Visit Qatar and Media City Qatar to bring world-class martial arts to the region[1]. This collaboration underscores ONE’s commitment to growing its global fanbase and showcasing the beauty and dynamism of martial arts to new audiences.
While these two World Title fights are the main attractions, ONE Championship has hinted at more blockbuster matchups to be announced in the coming weeks[1]. Given the promotion’s track record of delivering exciting fights, fans can expect a stacked card filled with top contenders and rising stars.
With two World Title fights, a heated rivalry coming to a head, and the promise of more thrilling matchups, ONE 171: Qatar is shaping up to be an unmissable event for martial arts enthusiasts worldwide. The combination of Haggerty’s explosive striking, Wei’s technical mastery, and the intense rivalry between Pacio and Brooks ensure that this event will deliver action-packed entertainment from start to finish.
As ONE Championship continues to expand its global footprint, this event in Qatar represents a significant milestone. It not only brings world-class martial arts to a new audience but also showcases the promotion’s commitment to delivering high-quality events on an international stage.
Fight fans around the world should mark their calendars for February 20th, 2025. As the stars of ONE Championship descend upon the Lusail Sports Arena, we can expect a night of unforgettable action, drama, and world-class martial arts. Whether you’re a longtime follower of the sport or a newcomer to the world of MMA, ONE 171: Qatar promises to be an event that will leave you breathless and craving more.
As we count down the days to this spectacular event, one thing is certain: the heat is on in Qatar, and ONE Championship is ready to deliver a night of martial arts excellence that will be talked about for years to come.
