ONE 168: Denver preview and predictions - Liam Harrison vs. Seksan
In a matter of days, two certified icons of Muay Thai — Liam Harrison and Seksan Or Kwanmuang — share the ring in a blockbuster 140-pound catchweight matchup, and the watching world couldn't have wished for a better stage to witness these legends in action.
The Leeds veteran returns to action against 'The Man Who Yields To No One' when the world's largest martial arts organization returns for its second on-ground spectacle in North America, ONE 168: Denver, which emanates live in U.S. primetime from Ball Arena, on Sept. 6.
Harrison needs no introduction to combat sports enthusiasts. The multi-time Muay Thai world champion has been plying his trade at the top of the striking mountain for two decades, sharing the ring with the biggest names in the sport.
Like 'Hitman,' Seksan brings a similar level of excitement and style into this matchup, leading many to believe that this could go down as one of the most iconic matchups in recent history.
Before they deliver a Muay Thai clinic in the Mile High City, Sportskeeda MMA's team of experts break down this fixture to a tee and offer several outcomes for this three-round slugfest.
Vince Richards: Liam Harrison via decision
Prepare for all-out non-stop action when Liam Harrison and Seksan finally face each other at ONE 168.
This fight will put two of the best Muay Thai fighters of the 2000s in what should be an absolute barnburner that is hot enough to raise the temperature in the Mile High City.
A knockout could happen in this fight, but Harrison and Seksan both have that internal fortitude that makes such an outcome almost impossible.
I expect Harrison to lead with his devastating punching combinations, while Seksan would cut the distance and land those nasty elbows that he’s been infamous for.
Overall, I see this one resulting in multiple knockouts and a tough night for the judges to score. Harrison, however, is far too quick and powerful and he could land the decisive shots in the final two minutes of the fight.
James De Rozario: Liam Harrison via KO in R3
There will be non-stop action, knockdowns, and plenty of highlight-reel moments from this war between Liam Harrison and Seksan. That said, I still expect the hard-hitting Leeds native to punch his way to a memorable third-round finish.
Both men will not back down, at all. I see Seksan immediately trying to implement his elbow-kick combinations to slow down the mercurial speed of Harrison. However, while the Thai tries to get his combinations going, he will get caught by a couple of haymakers from his dance partner.
Round two should unfold at a similar tempo. But this time, I see Harrison's appetite to hunt for a finish backfiring. Seksan, who takes the bait now and then, might use his footwork to stay out of Harrison's reach to counter and perhaps send his foe down for the count.
However, as he did in his epic come-from-behind win over Muangthai, Liam Harrison will be charged to the nines when the third stanza gets underway. And that fire in his belly plus his explosive combinations, could be all the difference he'd need to see off Seksan — potentially with a step-in left hook — towards the end of the frame.
Ted Razon: Liam Harrison via majority decision
The build-up to this legend versus legend showdown has been crazy so I expect both fighters to throw everything but the kitchen sink as soon as the bell rings.
Harrison should be the aggressor early on and I expect him to set the tone with his crushing low kicks to soften up Seksan’s guard. The Thai icon will look to make this a messy affair from the get-go and find a way to take this fight in the clinch where he thrives.
‘Hitman’, though, likely crafted a plan to counter this and use brilliant counter-striking and distance management. Seksan should push the envelope in round two and could wreak havoc if Harrison starts to slow down.
Both warriors will likely be exhausted heading into the final round. However, I foresee Harrison digging deep and getting the better of the exchanges.
‘The Man Who Yields To One’ will be a tough man to put away, but I see the Brit taking this one after the final bell.
Mike Murillo: Seksan via KO in R2
A battle between two ferocious strikers would surely make for a barnburner of a contest. And this surely fits the billing.
I am going for Seksan here, as he is the more active and battle-tested fighter between the two heading into the showdown, having competed in nine matches in a span of 18 months. This, was just as Harrison was out recuperating from a knee injury.
I do not see this going the full distance of three rounds, with ‘The Man Who Yields To No One’ scoring a KO win in the second round.
Just the same, I am happy to see ‘Hitman’ back in action after more than two years on the sidelines. I expect him as well not to go down without a fight but a winning return to competition may not be it for him in this match.
North American fans with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription can catch the entire ONE 168: Denver card live in U.S. primetime for free this Friday, Sept. 6.