November 2026 promises an exhilarating wave of martial arts excitement from ONE Championship, with a series of five major events across Thailand and Japan. Fans can look forward to reigning World Champions defending their titles, electrifying matchups between top strikers, and emerging fighters aiming to make their mark on an international stage.
From the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok to the vibrant atmosphere of Tokyo, these events will highlight the best of mixed martial arts (MMA), Muay Thai, kickboxing, and submission grappling. Here’s a look at what to expect this month.
The Inner Circle 37: A Title Fight with Personal Stakes
The action kicks off with The Inner Circle 37 on Friday, November 6, showcasing a high-stakes World Title bout. Two-division champion Christian “The Warrior” Lee will defend his lightweight MMA title against Tye Ruotolo, the ONE Welterweight Submission Grappling World Champion. This event airs during prime time in Asia.
Lee, a veteran of the sport, has forged a remarkable legacy over ten years, known for his fast-paced fighting style and diverse skill set. On the other hand, Ruotolo has ruled in the submission grappling realm and is now eyeing MMA success. The matchup is further fueled by personal rivalry; Ruotolo previously submitted Lee’s younger brother, Adrian, marking the latter’s first professional defeat.
For Lee, the stakes are clear: defend his title, thwart Ruotolo's rise in MMA, and settle the family feud. For Ruotolo, a victory would not only earn him the title but also mark him as the first competitor to hold championships in both MMA and submission grappling.
ONE Fight Night 49: Rising Stars Battle for Supremacy
Following The Inner Circle 37, Bangkok will also host ONE Fight Night 49 on the same day, November 6. This event will be led by the clash of two notable lightweight contenders—Brazil’s Lucas Gabriel and undefeated Bahraini athlete Magomed “Muhammad” Magomedov.
Gabriel continues his ascent in the division, showcasing an efficient striking style complemented by solid grappling skills. In contrast, Magomedov enters the promotion with an unblemished 15-0 record, known for his formidable grappling and versatile striking capabilities.
In addition to the main event, fans can anticipate a thrilling flyweight rematch between Japanese fighter Taiki “Silent Sniper” Naito and Thai competitor Kongthoranee Sor Sommai, set in a kickboxing format. The event will also present a unique openweight grappling bout featuring BJJ experts Victor Hugo and Devhonte “Bones” Johnson.
The Inner Circle 38: Icons Clash in Muay Thai
The action continues a week later with The Inner Circle 38 on November 13, marking the start of the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Grand Prix quarterfinals. This event is bound to dazzle fans as Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon takes on Nong-O Hama, both recognized titans of the sport.
Rodtang is famed for his powerful aggression and resilience, while Nong-O is celebrated for his technical brilliance and precision strikes. This matchup is not just about advancing in the tournament; it’s a battle of two contrasting styles, promising a visually stunning display of skill and strategy.
Additionally, fans will witness an exciting quarterfinal bout between rising star Shimon Yoshinari and Lebanese striker Ramadan “The Scorpion” Ondash, both eager to carve out their place in the sport.
ONE SAMURAI 5: Championship Aspirations Shine in Tokyo
Next is the highly anticipated ONE SAMURAI 5 on Wednesday, November 18, taking place at Tokyo’s EBARA WAVE Arena Ota, featuring a significant strawweight championship showdown. Filipino fighter Joshua “The Passion” Pacio will defend his title against Japan’s own Keito “Pocket Monk” Yamakita.
Pacio, a hallmark of the division, combines explosive striking with evolving grappling techniques. However, he faces a tenacious challenge in Yamakita, whose relentless wrestling and grappling prowess make him a formidable opponent, especially under the support of a passionate home crowd.
The card features other notable bouts, including kickboxing star Ryujin Nasukawa facing Moroccan competitor Elmehdi “The Sniper” El Jamari, alongside a clash between former champion Jarred “The Monkey God” Brooks and veteran Tatsumitsu “The Sweeper” Wada.
The Inner Circle 39: A Rivalry Reignited
Concluding the month will be The Inner Circle 39 on November 20, featuring another pivotal rematch between reigning ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Asadula “The Dagestan Ninja” Imangazaliev and his previously unbeaten challenger, Aslamjon “El Pantera” Ortikov. Their first meeting was a tense battle, with Imangazaliev emerging victorious by a narrow split decision.
This matchup not only renews their rivalry but also reestablishes the stakes for a title and a berth in the Grand Prix semifinals. Another quarterfinal match will pit Thai knockout artist Black Panther against the rising British-Pakistani star Ubaid “Bad” Hussain, promising yet another thrilling encounter.
With such an impressive lineup, November 2026 is set to deliver unforgettable moments for martial arts enthusiasts worldwide.
