MMA: Get on 'yer bike, at the fight

One lucky fan will walk away from the ONE: Warrior's Quest mixed martial arts (MMA) event at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on May 22 with a lean and mean machine.

The winner will not be bringing home defending lightweight world champion Shinya Aoki, or strawweight world championship contender Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke, but a brand new Aprilia RS4 125 motorcycle, courtesy of Mah Motors.

Dubbed the ONE Bike and clad in black and yellow and dressed with the fight promotion's decals, the vehicle was unveiled at Keypower's store at the Velocity Mall yesterday.

Said ONE Championship's senior vice-president, Victor Chu: "Mah Motors have been with us since the beginning in 2011 and it's great that a sponsor like them understands... and supports ONE and MMA.

EXCITING

"We've never done this (a motorcycle giveaway) before and visually it's awesome; it's going to be exciting because in between the action on fight night, we are going to draw the winner and give away the bike in the arena."

In another partnership announced yesterday, compression apparel brand 2XU released a range of compression tights and shorts that carry both the 2XU and ONE brands, for sale to the public.

Fans of both the brand and MMA can also purchase Warrior's Quest tickets and 2XU compression wear in packages that range from $138 to $278.

"Singapore's always been a special place for us because it is where ONE is founded and headquartered, it is also where our first event happened, more than three years ago," said Chu.

"We always try to do something special here and, since this is the 50th anniversary of Singapore, we have put on the best fight card by far, with two championship belts on the line."

Headlining the 11 fights is lightweight world champion Aoki's title defence against Koji Ando, while Thailand's Dejdamrong will face Filipino mixed martial arts exponent Roy Doliguez in the inaugural strawweight world championship bout.

Dejdamrong, a three-time muay thai champion of Lumpinee, one of the most prestigious championships in Thailand, was relaxed and jovial around his Evolve Fight Team stablemates Aoki and Eddie Ng, who will be up against Ariel Sexton on May 22.

Affectionately known as Kru Rong, Dejdamrong, 36, said: "It was initially difficult to pick up other martial arts at the beginning of last year, but I've gotten the hang of it. "I am relaxed and happy about my training so far, and I will be ready."

Visit onefc.com/contests to find out how to win the One Bike, and https://keypowersports.sg/collections/one2015 for the co-branded compression apparel.

This article was first published on May 9, 2015.
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