ONE Fight Night 25 preview and predictions - Bokang Masunyane vs. Mansur Malachiev
ONE Fight Night 25 could witness a massive shake-up in the strawweight MMA division as top five contenders Bokang Masunyane and Mansur Malachiev take the ONE Championship ring at the hallowed Lumpinee Stadium on Friday.
Masunyane is the number two contender in the division, while Malachiev is at number five, and their showdown could determine who gets a shot at the division's throne.
The two strawweight contenders employ an aggressive grappling style that will surely have the Bangkok fans on the edge of their seats with every mad scramble they figure in.
Although it's expected that mat work will be on full display in the match, Masunyane and Malachiev's styles are far from similar.
Before Malachiev and Masunyane blow the roof off Lumpinee Stadium, Sportskeeda MMA's ONE Championship team put their most unbiased opinion on the showdown.
ONE Fight Night 25 is available live and free to all Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada.
James De Rozario: Mansur Malachiev via decision
Given that both superstars are near-doppelgangers in terms of their skillset, I expect this to be a closely fought contest that will see the distance.
However, I believe Mansur Malachiev's aggression will allow him to impress all three judges at ringside.
The Dagestani phenom never gives his opponents any room to adjust or think when the fight hits the floor, and this should push the more relaxed approach of Masunyane's in a world of trouble.
That said, Masunyane should be able to land himself in good positions or secure advantages in a couple of scrambles. Still, Malachiev's ability to chain attacks on the canvas will deplete Masunyane's gas tank.
The fifth-ranked contender has looked every bit impressive with more experience on the global stage, and this one should be another similar affair.
Mike Murillo: Bokang Masunyane via submission
A battle of strawweight contenders, this is going to be an interesting contest. Both are noted wrestlers and could easily cancel each other out on that front.
I would say, though, that Bokang Masunyane will take this match by submission in the second round. I see his versatility and athleticism as a fighter posing a problem to Malachiev come fight night.
He can effectively deal with the contest standing up as well as on the ground, leaving his opponent with a lot to grapple with.
Malachiev, though, remains dangerous and should not be counted out outright. His ground game is not something to sneeze at while his striking has seen significant improvement and could be a handful if allowed to do his thing.
Still, Masunyane it is for the dynamism in his game that he is packing.
Ted Razon: Mansur Malachiev via decision
This pivotal strawweight MMA showdown will likely have non-stop action from start to finish. Malachiev knows one way to fight, and I don’t expect him to change his in-your-face pressure style anytime soon.
The Russian will corner Masunyane near the ring ropes and force the issue with his terrific takedown chains.
He’ll likely control ‘Little Giant’ and score with some ground and pound and perhaps a few submission attempts in round one.
I expect Masunyane to bounce back in the ensuing round and use movement to avoid Malachiev’s grappling-heavy style. The South African will lull him to striking exchanges but will find out that Malachiev is quite decent on the feet as well.
Masunyane’s gas tank will be tested by the Russian’s persistent takedowns, and I think it will take its toll in the final frame. I expect Malachiev to cruise to a dominant win on the scorecards and put himself in title contention.
Vince Richards: Bokang Masunyane via knockout
ONE Championship is no stranger to sudden and surprising finishes, and one could happen when Bokang Masunyane crosses paths with Mansur Malachiev.
Although Masunyane and Malachiev are natural grapplers, I see the South African menace taking this win via knockout.
Masunyane's lone finish in ONE Championship is a head-kick knockout of Rene Catalan in Singapore, and he could replicate such a mind-bending highlight against Malachiev.
Granted, Malachiev is a far better fighter than Catalan and has every tool at his disposal to stop Masunyane.
Malachiev, however, has been at odds against strikers as evidenced during his match against now-ONE strawweight MMA world champion Joshua Pacio.
If Malachiev can get this fight to the ground, then his and Masunyane's grappling will play a huge role on the judges' cards.
Masunyane, though, could surprise all if he can keep the fight standing and break Malachiev's high guard.