SUMMARY
- Wei Rui is set to make his ONE Championship debut on May 3.
- Here's why you should be excited about the Chinese kickboxing superstar's ONE debut.
Wei Rui is deservedly one of the most hyped signings in recent ONE Championship history. The Chinese kickboxing superstar makes his highly anticipated promotional debut on May 3. There, he faces former ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion Hiroki Akimoto at ONE Fight Night 22 on Prime Video at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Upon his signing earlier this year, the sanda stylist was overjoyed to be able to test himself at the highest level.
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“I have competed in many domestic and overseas events,” he said. “Despite the success and recognition I have achieved in China, I am still looking for opportunities to compete with the best fighters on the best platform. ONE Championship is the best combat sports promotion. It’s the right platform for me.”
So, why is Wei such a big deal? Here are just a few reasons.
Wei Rui is a kickboxing superstar
Wei has been considered one of kickboxing’s pound-for-pound best for several years. “Demon Blade” has remained at the top of the rankings across multiple weight classes for a long time, and he has won some of the world’s most gruelling tournaments along the way.
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He took out the WLF Championship Tournament back in 2015 before adding the famous K-1 Lightweight World Grand Prix to his list of accolades in 2017. Becoming China’s first-ever K-1 World Champion turned him into one of the most beloved fighters in the talent-rich country’s proud combat sports history.
Wei Rui is on a 20-fight win streak
Wei’s form coming into his debut on the global stage is undeniable. The 34-year-old has not tasted defeat since 2018 and, incredibly, he has won his last 20 fights since that night. His lengthy win streak has brought his overall professional record to a staggering 69-3, making him one of the most prolific kickboxers currently on the circuit.
During his career, he has overcome some legends of the striking world such as Muay Thai and Kickboxing World Champion Petpanomrung Kiatmoo9, Lumpinee and Rajadamnern Stadium Muay Thai World Champion Pakorn PK Saenchai, and iconic slugger Thanonchai Thanakorngym.
His fighting style is something to behold
Wei’s fighting style can certainly be described as “crowd pleasing.” He was one of the top competitors in China’s native style of sanda before making the switch to kickboxing more than a decade ago.
He now brings a dangerous blend of speed and power with a sprinkling of the flashier techniques, making him a nightmare for anyone who shares the ring with him. Wei has long been a box office hit in his home country, and now his ONE debut looms as a must-see attraction on May 3.