Throughout 2025, ONE Championship provided a remarkable year of striking prowess that astounded fans around the globe.
From January’s kickoff to December’s closing event, the largest martial arts organization in the world highlighted the most dynamic knockout artists across mixed martial arts, Muay Thai, and kickboxing.
Fighters entered the Circle and the ring at Lumpinee Stadium with fierce intentions, unleashing powerful techniques that produced unforgettable highlights likely to be replayed for years. Whether it was a perfectly executed head kick, a booming left hook, or an acrobatic spinning strike, 2025 was filled with moments that will be etched in memory.
From a long-anticipated super-fight concluding in a surprising manner to a debut showcasing a new contender, these five knockouts stood out as the highlights of the year.
#1 Roberto Soldic Face-Plants Dagi Arslanaliev
The global audience eagerly awaited the return of Croatian powerhouse Roberto “Robocop” Soldic, who certainly delivered an unforgettable moment in ONE history. In a welterweight MMA matchup against Turkish knockout artist Dagi Arslanaliev at ONE 171: Qatar in February, Soldic wasted no time making an impression.
Just 1:55 into the first round, Soldic unleashed a powerful left hook that dropped Arslanaliev face-first onto the canvas. This astonishing finish not only marked Soldic’s first promotional victory but also displayed the extraordinary power that made him a feared fighter in Europe.
#2 Gingsanglek Delivers Spinning Backfist For The Ages
After facing challenges at ONE Friday Fights, 24-year-old Thai sensation Gingsanglek Wor Kumchamnarn entered 2025 aiming to establish himself among the elite. His opportunity came against formidable Russian striker Alexey Balyko in a flyweight Muay Thai match at ONE Friday Fights 115 in July.
The result was an unforgettable finish, as Gingsanglek struck with a head kick seconds after the opening bell, sending Balyko to the canvas. Though Balyko regained his feet, he quickly met his demise with a spectacular spinning backfist that knocked him out cold 53 seconds into the bout.
#3 Rodtang Silences Tokyo Crowd With 80-Second Destruction Of Takeru
The clash between Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon and Takeru “Natural Born Crusher” Segawa at ONE 172: Takeru vs. Rodtang in March was highly anticipated. Originally scheduled for the previous year, the matchup became a five-round flyweight kickboxing super-fight that had fans eagerly awaiting the action.
Rodtang required just 80 seconds to leave the Tokyo crowd in shock. After exchanging punches, he unleashed a thunderous left hook that knocked Takeru to the canvas. Unable to rise before the referee’s count, Takeru’s defeat stunned the combat sports world and ignited demands for a rematch in 2026.
#4 Nabil Anane Stuns Nico Carrillo With First-Round Masterclass
Following a setback in his promotional debut, Nabil Anane had been on a winning streak, amassing five consecutive victories that earned him a shot at the ONE Interim Bantamweight Muay Thai Title. At ONE 170 in January, he faced Scottish knockout artist Nico “King of the North” Carrillo, who had to adjust his plans after an injury to the original opponent.
What followed was a striking clinic from the six-foot-four Thai-Algerian. Anane dominated the match, scoring three knockdowns with precise punches and a well-timed high kick, sealing the victory at 2:35 of the round and earning him the interim championship.
#5 Abolfazl Alipourandi Demolishes Liam Nolan In 59 Seconds
Few fighters debut with a knockout that becomes one of the year’s most notable, but Iranian striker Abolfazl “White Wolf” Alipourandi did just that. Taking a short-notice lightweight Muay Thai bout against British veteran “Lethal” Liam Nolan, Alipourandi came out aggressively, matching Nolan’s strikes with confidence.
As the fight intensified, he backed Nolan to the ropes, executing a powerful head kick that knocked Nolan out instantly, prompting the referee to stop the contest just 59 seconds in. This breathtaking debut marked Alipourandi’s entrance into ONE, making it clear he is a fighter to watch.
