ONE Friday Fights 22: Prajanchai and Malykhin Deliver
Lumpinee Stadium Hosts a Night of Knockouts and Title Unifications
On June 23, 2023, ONE Friday Fights 22 erupted inside Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, delivering one of the most stacked cards in ONE Championship history. With two world title fights, a slew of elite Muay Thai clashes, and a heavyweight MMA unification bout, the event showcased the very best of global combat sports.
Prajanchai Reclaims Glory in Strawweight Muay Thai Rematch
In the main event, Prajanchai P.K.Saenchai avenged his previous loss to Sam-A Gaiyanghadao with a devastating elbow knockout at 2:10 of Round 2, capturing the ONE Interim Strawweight Muay Thai World Title. The rematch, two years in the making, ended in violent fashion as Prajanchai timed a short elbow that dropped the Thai legend cold.
Malykhin Unifies Heavyweight Gold with Relentless Ground-and-Pound
In the co-main event, Anatoly Malykhin cemented his status as the undisputed king of the heavyweight division by stopping Arjan Bhullar via TKO at 2:42 of Round 3. Malykhin’s pressure and power overwhelmed Bhullar, who had no answer for the Russian’s takedowns and top control. The win unified the ONE Heavyweight World Championship, ending a year-long saga of delays and rescheduling.
Superlek and Carrillo Steal the Show with Brutal Finishes
- Superlek Kiatmuu9, the reigning ONE Flyweight Kickboxing Champion, returned to Muay Thai and obliterated Nabil Anane with a body shot KO at 2:03 of Round 1, earning a $50,000 bonus.
- Nico Carrillo continued his rise by TKO’ing Muangthai P.K.Saenchai after three knockdowns in Round 2, showcasing his elite boxing and pressure.
Sitthichai and Saeksan Win Tactical Wars
- Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong outpointed American standout Eddie Abasolo via unanimous decision, using his trademark left kick and ring control.
- Saeksan Or. Kwanmuang defeated Nathan Bendon in a gritty three-round war, earning a $20,000 bonus for his performance.
Undercard Highlights: Elbows, Hooks, and Body Shots
- Kongthoranee Sor.Sommai knocked out Gingsanglek Tor.Laksong with a left hook at 0:28 of Round 2, earning a $10,000 bonus.
- Akram Hamidi stopped Jomhod AutoMuayThai with a left hook to the body at 0:36 of Round 2, showcasing precision and power.
- Thongpoon P.K.Saenchai edged Yangdam Sor.Tor. Hiewbangsaen via split decision in a close catchweight bout.
- Fariyar Aminipour defeated Rambolek Chor.Ajalaboon via split decision, surviving a late surge from the Thai striker.
MMA Spotlight: Erdogan Crushes Fan Rong
In the lone middleweight MMA bout, Shamil Erdogan delivered a body kick knockout at 0:37 of Round 2 against Fan Rong, improving to 9-0 and earning a $10,000 bonus.
Final Thoughts: A Night of Violence, Redemption, and Ascension
ONE Friday Fights 22 was a masterclass in matchmaking and execution. From Prajanchai’s redemption to Malykhin’s dominance, the event delivered on every front. With rising stars like Carrillo and Hamidi making statements, and legends like Sam-A and Bhullar falling, the night was a reminder that in combat sports, nothing is guaranteed—except chaos.
For full results and video highlights, visit ONE Championship’s official recap and Wikipedia’s event summary.
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Tags: Boxing, Combat Sports
