By Rolando Cronin 
A Heavyweight Clash for the Ages
On August 1, 2025, the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, erupted as Ryugo Takeuchi delivered a jaw-dropping knockout against Kang Ji Won at ONE Fight Night 34. This heavyweight MMA bout, broadcast live in U.S. primetime on Prime Video, was a showcase of raw power, tactical brilliance, and heart-stopping drama. As a lifelong MMA fan who’s watched countless fights, from UFC classics to ONE’s electrifying cards, I can tell you this bout was one for the history books—here’s why.
The Build-Up to the Blockbuster
The anticipation for Kang Ji Won vs. Ryugo Takeuchi was electric. Both fighters, known for their knockout prowess, promised a fight that wouldn’t go the distance. Kang, the South Korean “Mighty Warrior,” entered with a perfect 100% finishing rate in his ONE Championship wins, while Takeuchi, the young Japanese phenom, aimed to rebound from his debut loss. Fans on X were buzzing, predicting a “one-punch chaos” scenario, and they weren’t wrong.
Kang Ji Won: The Knockout King
Kang Ji Won, a 29-year-old from South Korea, had built a fearsome reputation in ONE’s heavyweight division. With four knockouts in his seven ONE fights, including a 58-second TKO of Paul Elliott, Kang was confident he’d add Takeuchi to his highlight reel. His strategy? Weather Takeuchi’s early aggression and counter with devastating precision.
Ryugo Takeuchi: The Rising Star
At just 22, Ryugo Takeuchi was the underdog but no less dangerous. Undefeated in Japan’s DEEP promotion with four TKOs, including a record-tying five-second finish, Takeuchi’s ONE debut loss to Paul Elliott only fueled his hunger. Representing King Gym Kobe, he aimed to prove his knockout power on the global stage.
The Fight: A Heavyweight Firestorm
The opening bell at ONE Fight Night 34 signaled chaos. Takeuchi, true to Kang’s scouting, came out swinging, his massive frame charging forward with thunderous hooks. Kang, ever the tactician, circled and countered, looking for openings. But in a blink, Takeuchi landed a crushing blow, sending Kang to the canvas in a spectacular knockout that left Lumpinee Stadium roaring.
Round-by-Round Breakdown
Round 1: The Explosive Finish
The fight didn’t last long enough for a full round-by-round tale. Takeuchi’s aggressive start overwhelmed Kang, who couldn’t find his rhythm. A perfectly timed strike—described by fans on X as “a sledgehammer to the jaw”—ended the bout, with Takeuchi claiming victory in under two minutes.
Why This Knockout Matters
This wasn’t just a win for Takeuchi; it was a statement. Beating a veteran like Kang, who’d never been knocked out in ONE, catapulted the 22-year-old into the heavyweight spotlight. For fans, it was a reminder of why ONE Championship’s heavyweight division is a must-watch—unpredictable, explosive, and always one punch away from chaos.
Comparing Kang and Takeuchi
Here’s how the two heavyweights stacked up going into ONE Fight Night 34:
| Fighter | Age | Record in ONE | Knockout Rate | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kang Ji Won | 29 | 4-3 | 100% (4/4 wins) | Counter-striking |
| Ryugo Takeuchi | 22 | 0-1 | 100% (4/4 wins)* | Aggressive power punching |
*Note: Takeuchi’s knockout rate is from his DEEP promotion fights.
Pros and Cons of Each Fighter
Kang Ji Won
- Pros: Experienced, versatile, proven against top heavyweights like Amir Aliakbari.
- Cons: Vulnerable to early aggression, as seen in losses to grapplers like Ben Tynan.
Ryugo Takeuchi
- Pros: Youthful energy, devastating power, fearless approach.
- Cons: Limited ONE experience, untested against elite grapplers.
The Human Side of the Fight
As someone who’s followed MMA since the early UFC days, I’ve seen how fights like this resonate beyond the cage. Kang, a father and gym owner, spoke pre-fight about proving himself for his family. His confidence was palpable, but Takeuchi’s win must’ve stung—a reminder of the sport’s brutal unpredictability. Takeuchi, meanwhile, carried the hopes of Japan’s MMA scene, and his post-fight grin was infectious. Moments like these, where dreams clash with reality, make MMA so gripping.
The Role of ONE Championship
ONE Championship has redefined MMA with its blend of martial arts disciplines and global talent pool. Unlike the UFC, ONE’s heavyweight division often features “true” heavyweights—big, natural 265-pounders like Takeuchi and Kang, not puffed-up middleweights. Their events at Lumpinee Stadium, a mecca for combat sports, add a layer of prestige. This fight, part of ONE Fight Night 34: Eersel vs. Jarvis, showcased why ONE is a fan favorite.
How Fans Reacted on Social Media
The knockout sent X into a frenzy. Posts praised Takeuchi’s “monster power,” with one user joking, “Kang’s still seeing stars in Seoul!” Others debated whether Takeuchi could challenge ONE’s heavyweight king, Oumar “Reug Reug” Kane. Social media amplifies these moments, but fans must sift through hype to find truth—always check official sources like ONEFC.com for accurate updates.
Tools to Follow ONE Championship
Want to stay on top of ONE’s explosive fights? Here are the best platforms:
- ONEFC.com: Official site for fight announcements, results, and tickets.
- Amazon Prime Video: Streams ONE Fight Night events live in the U.S. for free with a subscription.
- Sportskeeda MMA: Detailed fight previews and post-fight analysis.
- Tapology: Fight stats, results, and fan discussions.
- X Accounts: Follow @ONEChampionship and @Sportskeeda for real-time updates.
Pro Tip: Download the ONE Super App for exclusive content and fight replays. It’s like having Lumpinee in your pocket
People Also Ask (PAA) Section
Who won the Kang Ji Won vs. Ryugo Takeuchi fight at ONE Fight Night 34?
Ryugo Takeuchi won via a spectacular knockout on August 1, 2025, at Lumpinee Stadium, Bangkok. The fight ended in the first round, marking Takeuchi’s first ONE victory.
Where can I watch ONE Fight Night 34 highlights?
Highlights are available on ONE Championship’s YouTube channel, ONEFC.com, and Amazon Prime Video. Check Tapology or Sportskeeda for fan-uploaded clips and breakdowns.
What is ONE Championship’s heavyweight division like?
ONE’s heavyweight division features natural heavyweights with a focus on knockouts and submissions. Fighters like Kang Ji Won and Ryugo Takeuchi exemplify its explosive nature.
How can I get tickets to ONE Championship events?
Tickets are available through ONEFC.com or partner platforms like Ticketmaster. Sign up for ONE’s newsletter for early access to seats.
The Tactical Breakdown: What Went Wrong for Kang?
Kang’s game plan was solid on paper: absorb Takeuchi’s early storm and counter. He’d studied tape, noting Takeuchi’s aggressive starts, and believed his experience would prevail. But Takeuchi’s speed and power were overwhelming. Kang’s loss exposes a recurring issue—his ground game struggles against grapplers and now his vulnerability to elite strikers. He’ll need to regroup, perhaps targeting a rematch with Ben Tynan or Kirill Grishenko.
Takeuchi’s Path Forward
For Takeuchi, this knockout is a game-changer. At 22, he’s now a serious contender in ONE’s heavyweight division. His next fight could be against a top-five opponent, with fans on X already calling for a clash with “Reug Reug” Oumar Kane. His youth and power make him a nightmare matchup, but he’ll need to shore up his grappling to compete with the division’s elite.
The Bigger Picture: ONE’s Heavyweight Division
ONE Championship’s heavyweight division is a land of giants. Unlike the UFC, where heavyweights often cut from 205 pounds, ONE’s big men are true behemoths. Fighters like Anatoly Malykhin, the two-division champ, and Oumar Kane dominate, but Takeuchi’s win signals a new wave. The division’s unpredictability—where one punch can change everything—keeps fans hooked.
Why Heavyweight Fights Are Must-Watch
Heavyweight MMA is unique because of its volatility. A single strike can end a fight, as Takeuchi proved. Unlike lighter divisions, where fights often go to decisions, heavyweights like Kang and Takeuchi rarely need judges. This bout, with its lightning-fast finish, is a perfect example of why fans love the big guys. It’s chaos, heart, and pure adrenaline.
The Emotional Impact on Fans
Watching Takeuchi’s knockout felt like being in the front row of a rock concert. I remember my first live MMA event, the roar of the crowd as a fighter hit the canvas—it’s a rush you don’t forget. For Kang’s fans, the loss was a gut punch, but Takeuchi’s supporters, especially in Japan, are riding high. This fight reminded me why I fell in love with MMA: it’s raw, human, and unpredictable, with every punch carrying a story.
FAQ Section
Q: What happened in the Kang Ji Won vs. Ryugo Takeuchi fight?
A: Ryugo Takeuchi knocked out Kang Ji Won in the first round at ONE Fight Night 34 on August 1, 2025, in Bangkok. The fight ended with a thunderous strike, marking Takeuchi’s first ONE win.
Q: How can I watch ONE Championship fights live?
A: ONE Fight Night events stream live on Amazon Prime Video in the U.S. Check ONEFC.com or the ONE Super App for schedules and repl