We’re predicting the outcomes at ONE Empower.
Fans are in for a treat at ONE Empower, especially WMMA fans (that’s women’s MMA for those new here). The event is an all-female fighter affair and will feature a women’s strawweight title fight, a women’s strawweight kickboxing bout between two of the sports best, and an entire Women’s Atomweight Grand Prix tournament.
It’s going to be an awesome time.
For fans tired of the UFC or want something different, ONE Championship delivers some exciting events and some incredible talents. The Grand Prix will prove that, but so will the entire card.
With that, let’s take a look at the predictions for the shows.
ONE Empower preview and predictions
Xiong Jingnan (c) vs. Michelle Nicolini
Xiong Jingnan will defender her ONE Championship women’s strawweight championship against Michelle Nicolini, who is an acclaimed Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner. Jingnan isn’t bigger than Nicolini but she is a better striker. Nicolini also isn’t as battle-tested as Jingnan either, with just eight fights to Jingnan 17. Jingnan also has faced higher competition, like Colleen Schneider and Angela Lee, meaning that she’s faced some of the best the sport to offer. Nicolini is a good fighter but her toughest fights were in BJJ tournaments. She is a submission threat though, something Jingnan had issues with when she fought Lee.
Winner: Xiong Jingnan
Martine Michieletto vs. Anissa Meksen
Martine Michieletto has a lot of gold. Anissa Meksen has a lot of gold. They’re two of the very best women’s kickboxing has at the moment. Both have found success inside big promotions, with Michieletto winning gold in K-1, and Meksen winning gold in GLORY. Meksen is seen as the better overall fighter by combat sport insiders, but Michieletto is no slouch. You still have to give it to Meksen for what may be her slight advantage in striking, which she has shown in her 100+ fights in the sport.
Winner: Anisssa Meksen
Seo Hee Ham vs. Denice Zamboanga
Seo Hee Ham is 23-8 and hasn’t lost since the end of 2016. She’s taking on the 6-0, undefeated Denice Zamboanga in what may be one of the most lopsided fights on the card. Hee Ham is the clear favorite and unless Zamboanga is equipped to deal with the WMMA stalwart, it’s going to be hard to overcome her skills.
Winner: Seo Hee Ham
Alyona Rassohyna vs. Stamp Fairtex
Alyona Rassohyna is a world-class grappler, who has claimed 11 of her 13 victories by submission. Stamp Fairtex felt that pressure the last time they fought and Fairtex was shocked. That may not be the case this time, as Fairtex is stronger and more aggressive but Rassohyna may be the type of fighter who can have Fairtex’s number. Let’s play it safe here.
Winner: Stamp Fairtex.
Itsuki Hirata vs. Alyse Anderson
Alyse Anderson was a nice pick-up for the promotion, she’s young, marketable, and has shown some dynamic skillsets. The problem is she’s facing off with Itsuki Hirata, who’s 4-0 so far in her career. Anderson is a respectable 4-1 but Hirata is on a different level right now.
Winner: Itsuki Hirata
Meng Bo vs. Ritu Phogat
Ritu Phogat was replaced in the fight with Bi Nguyen after Phogat lost to Nguyen at ONE Championship: Dangal. Then Phogat was placed back into the tournament to face off with Meng Bo. This is madness at this point and if Phogat doesn’t win, then that will truly be shocking.
Winner: Ritu Phogat