ONE 165 got another round of additions on Thursday. ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong announced three bouts at a press conference for the January 28 event.
Yoshihiro Akiyama will return to Tokyo to battle kickboxing legend Nieky Holzken in a special rules contest. It will be Akiyama vs. Holzken at ONE 165.
Their catchweight bout will consist of three three-minute rounds in four-ounce gloves. The special rules should captivate audiences with its intriguing layout.
The match will begin with boxing rules, followed by Muay Thai rules in the second round, and closing with MMA in the third and final frame should the match go that long.
The special rules contest is another display of how creative ONE can be with their matchmaking, delivering an unforgettable moment for martial arts fans around the world. The spectacle will add even more excitement to an outstanding card.
Also added to the card is a catchweight kickboxing affair between elite stars Marat Grigorian and Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong.
The two stars have flirted with title glory, and this match could elevate the winner back into the chase in the featherweight division. However, isolated on its own, it is still one of the premier kickboxing contests 2024 will see.
The third bout announced will pit heavyweight kickboxers Rade Opacic and Iraj Azizpour against each other.
The explosive heavyweight battle will spark the event and help keep the action rolling in Tokyo. Opacic has won back-to-back bouts and hopes to ruin the return of Azizpour to start his streak.
The three bouts are added to what is already a phenomenal card at the Ariake Arena.
ONE 165 airs live on global pay-per-view on Sunday, January 28.