Unbeaten heavyweight star Ben Tynan certainly made an impression in his ONE Championship debut last year. As far as the charismatic Canadian sees it, he’s just getting started.
“Vanilla Thunder” arrived in the world’s largest martial arts organization last November at ONE Fight Night 16. There, he dispatched Kang Ji Won to kickstart his promotional tenure. Now he’s set for action on Saturday, April 6, at ONE Fight Night 21 on Prime Video against fellow heavy hitter Duke Didier.
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His third-round submission over Kang last November allowed Tynan to build stock in ONE. He believes that a victory over the accoladed judo and BJJ black belt in Didier will grant him access to the biggest and baddest names inside ONE’s heavyweight realm.
“I think with a good finish here, I want to fight bigger names for sure. I will fight some of the top heavyweights in ONE, and I really want to fight on the card here in Denver too [on September 6]. I think that’d be pretty sick,” Tynan said. “That’s something I want to be pushing for. I’ll beat this Australian up and then get ready for a fight here in Denver.”
Tynan has accumulated a 5-0 record in MMA since turning professional, using his wrestling pedigree to shut down his opponents. And if he can neutralize Didier in the same fashion, the biggest names in the division will certainly have to keep an eye on him.
Ben Tynan planning for hughlight-reel KO of Duke Didier at ONE Fight Night 21
Ben Tynan’s comedic nature has definitely helped him create a fan base. His charisma, charm, and witty personality makes him an easy fighter to get behind. But when he steps in the ring, “Vanilla Thunder” flips the switch on his demeanor.
The unbeaten Canadian has stopped all five of opponents inside the distance, using his expert wrestling to take them into deep waters before seeking out the finish.
This time around, though, Tynan wishes to showcase his striking abilities when he meets Duke Didier at ONE Fight Night 21 on Prime Video next month. Never one to be deemed a one-trick pony, the 30-year-old plans to pocket a memorable knockout at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium.
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“I’m so focused on my wrestling that people think I can only wrestle, but what people don’t realize is I train with some of the best out here in Denver, and I can strike too. So I want to take his head off,” Tynan said. “That’s fun, and knockouts are exciting. And they feel good. That’s what I’m hunting for. But if it goes to the ground, I’ll finish him there, too.”
ONE Fight Night 20 is headlined by two-sport ONE World Champ Regian Eersel and undefeated Alexis Nicolas. Eersel puts his ONE Lightweight Kickboxing World Title on the line.