The world of MMA might seem to be led by American giants like UFC and PFL, but don’t be fooled—Asia has rapidly emerged as a powerhouse brimming with top-notch talent.
Japan’s Rizin FF is known for its jaw-dropping events, and ONE Championship holds strong as a leading name in competitive martial arts. Over the past decade, the eastern MMA scene has risen in fame, catching the eye of betting enthusiasts worldwide. Platforms like 1xbet are expanding their reach across Asia and beyond, riding the wave of this burgeoning market.
Come March, Asia is set to dazzle with a menu of high-profile matchups featuring some of the sport’s elite fighters. Here’s a rundown of five must-watch battles gracing the Asian MMA calendar this March.
RIZIN 50: Naoki Inoue vs. Yuki Motoya (Date: 3/29/25)
Rizin 50 takes center stage with a fight that sees Naoki Inoue, the reigning bantamweight champion, defending his title against the seasoned Yuki Motoya. Inoue seized his position atop the 135-lb division with a TKO victory over Soo Chul Kim last September. Though he faced a setback against Juan Archuleta in May 2023, Inoue is back on track and looking to repeat his triumph over Motoya—a feat he accomplished nearly five years ago at Rizin 26.
Motoya, eyeing the bantamweight crown, enters the ring with a record of 4-2 in his last six fights. Despite setbacks against Kai Asakura and Vince Morales, his focus remains unwavering. With a history at Rizin dating back to 2015, Motoya is ready to battle for the title that has long eluded him.
RIZIN 50: Chihiro Suzuki vs. Karshyga Dautbek (Date: 3/29/25)
At RIZIN 50, fans will also witness Chihiro Suzuki clash with Kazakh talent Karshyga Dautbek in what promises to be an electrifying duel. Suzuki, celebrated for his knockout power, boasts titles from major promotions like Pancrase and RIZIN. His memorable victory over Patricio Pitbull, before Bellator’s dissolution, marks him as a formidable force.
Meanwhile, Dautbek, shining amid a sea of emerging talents from Kazakhstan, is keen to make a statement by toppling the seasoned Suzuki. With countrymen like UFC contender Shavkat Rakhmonov blazing trails, Dautbek might well be part of Europe’s next wave of MMA excellence.
ONE 172: Adriano Moraes vs. Yuya Wakamatsu (Date: 3/23/25)
Adriano Moraes, once the dominant ONE Bantamweight Champion, embarks on his comeback journey against the Japanese standout Yuya Wakamatsu. Moraes, remembered for his knockout over MMA legend Demetrious Johnson, faced subsequent losses to Johnson in their heated trilogy. However, a decisive submission victory over Danny Kingad has rekindled his competitive spirit, pushing him to reclaim his throne.
Wakamatsu, known as "Little Piranha," might have faltered in his 2022 title attempt against Moraes, but his recent performance (3-1 in the last four bouts) proves he’s poised for redemption. He’s eager to rewrite history by seizing the ONE gold this time around.
ONE 172: Shinya Aoki vs. Eduard Folayang (Date: 3/23/25)
MMA legend Shinya Aoki returns to ONE 172, facing off against Eduard Folayang, rekindling a storied rivalry. Aoki, a stalwart in Asian MMA since 2003, brings nearly 60 fights’ worth of experience to the octagon. At 41, “Tobikan Judan” remains a formidable challenge for any opponent.
Eduard Folayang, a famed name in ONE’s lightweight division, boasts two 155-lb title reigns. Sharing a storied history with Aoki, their rivalry currently stands at 2-1 in Aoki’s favor. Their fourth encounter promises to be a highlight of the evening, drawing fans eager to witness another classic bout.
ONE Fight Night 29: Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu vs. Jeremy Pacatiw (Date: 3/8/25)
Finally, the legendary Lumpinee Boxing Stadium sets the stage for Mongolia’s Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu against the Philippines’ Jeremy Pacatiw. With Mongolia producing top-tier fighters over recent years, Baatarkhuu has emerged as a standout, losing only once in 12 bouts since 2019, and finishing the majority of his fights spectacularly.
Pacatiw, a budding submission artist, has claimed victories via rear-naked and triangle choke in ONE Championship. Although his activity has been hampered, with a full year off in 2023, the 28-year-old’s potential is undeniable. As these two meet in the cage, the world will be watching as the next chapter of their careers unfolds.
These matchups underline Asia’s thriving MMA landscape, offering fans a thrilling showcase of skill, rivalry, and the relentless pursuit of glory.
