Cambodia’s Thai Rithy Set For ONE: ETERNAL GLORY In Jakarta

On Saturday, 19 January, ONE Championship will kick off another action-packed year in Jakarta, Indonesia.

The world’s largest martial arts organization returns to the Istora Senayan for ONE: ETERNAL GLORY.

Although the initial lineup was previously announced, the promotion has revealed three additional match-ups — among them is a thrilling mixed martial arts featherweight bout between Cambodian Top Team athlete Thai Rithy and Dutch-Indonesian sensation Anthony “The Archangel” Engelen.

The 19-year-old Cambodian, who has not competed in mixed martial arts in over a year, holds a 6-3 professional record.

He will once again return to Jakarta, where he made his stellar promotional debut by finishing Jerome S. Paye via knockout just 19 seconds into the second round.

“During my time off from fighting for ONE, I haven’t done anything else besides box and train. Fighting is my profession and life,” Rithy says. “When I don’t have any mixed martial arts fights lined up, I compete in Kun Khmer.”

Wants to avenge Meas Meul loss

The young Cambodian has made a name for himself as a scrappy contestant with a kill-or-be-killed attitude, and he will most certainly have a tough test ahead of him in Engelen, a 33-year-old martial arts veteran. 

The Dutch-Indonesian, who is an IFC Lightweight Champion, made huge waves when he returned to action at ONE: HEART OF THE LION in early November. He knocked out Rithy’s teammate, Meas Meul, in 39 seconds.

Engelen returned to competition eight days later to take on Jimmy Yabo at ONE: WARRIOR’S DREAM. He scored another first-round finish, this time by rear-naked choke.

Rithy respects and acknowledges his opponent’s skills, but feels confident in his abilities both standing and on the ground. 

Also, he wants to earn some redemption for his teammate.

“Meas Meul and I are like brothers, and I want to avenge his loss. But before I even think about that, I will have to get to know more about Engelen first,” the Cambodian explains.

“We cannot underestimate our opponents in mixed martial arts or any other sports. I know Engelen is good, but I’m not afraid. I won’t lose hope, and I will train even stronger!”

With the addition of Rithy versus Engelen, ONE: ETERNAL GLORY now stands 13 bouts strong, showcasing an exciting mix of kickboxing, Muay Thai, and mixed martial arts.