ONE Championship held its latest fight event, ONE 171, on February 20, 2025, at Qatar, spotlighting various matchups between accomplished fighters. This event became particularly notable as two celebrated champions, Bibiano Fernandes and Martin Nguyen, announced their retirements after impressive careers.
Among the key bouts, Fernandes, the former bantamweight titleholder from Brazil/Canada, made his return to the ring after nearly three years. Facing long-time rival Kevin Belingon from the Philippines, Fernandes managed to secure victory via split decision. This fight marked Fernandes' fourth encounter with Belingon, fortifying his legacy as he faced off against one of his toughest adversaries.
Reflecting on his career, the 44-year-old Fernandes expressed gratitude, stating, "I created my era at bantamweight, becoming the champion 11 times, and this year I will be 45. I want to thank my boss Chatri and ONE for allowing me to be part of this organization for nearly 14 years." His retirement announcement was met with thunderous applause from the audience, signaling the end of an era for one of the sport's most decorated athletes.
On the same night, Martin Nguyen, the two-time former champion of both featherweight and lightweight divisions, faced Shamil Gazanov, another fierce contender from Russia. Unfortunately for Nguyen, he fell to Gazanov, losing by unanimous decision. Following this defeat, the 35-year-old declared his retirement from competitive fighting. His move to exit the sport was significant, as he leaves behind a legacy of 12 wins out of 20 fights since joining ONE Championship back in 2017.
Martin Nguyen expressed his heartfelt thanks, asserting, "I love everyone from the bottom of my heart. Thank you, boss Chatri, all the staff, and most of all, ONE's officials. They are the best in the world. Now it’s my time, and this is the perfect moment. Thank you for everything." The appreciation shown by both retiring fighters highlighted the camaraderie and respect within the ONE Championship community.
Adding excitement to the event, Jonathan Haggerty defended his ONE bantamweight kickboxing title against Wei Rui, ranked number one contender. Haggerty proved his prowess, winning by unanimous decision, marking his first successful title defense. Following the match, the ONE Championship Thailand Facebook page praised him, stating, "The belt didn't change waist. Jonathan Haggerty successfully defended his ONE bantamweight kickboxing title against Wei Rui by unanimous decision." This performance not only solidified his position but also sparked discussions about potential future matchups.
Notably, after his victory, Haggerty expressed desire for rematch, stating, "Of course, I want to settle my debt with Superlek." This aspiration to reclaim his title against Superlek, whom he had previously lost to at ONE 168, suggests exciting prospects for future bouts. His previous match against Superlek took place last year, and fans are eager to see how this narrative develops with Haggerty's intention to switch gears and perhaps pursue success within MMA as well.
The combat sporting community reacted positively to the event, with videos capturing the action receiving thousands of views on social media. Fans shared and commented on the bouts, particularly Haggerty’s performance and the emotional retirements of Fernandes and Nguyen.
ONE 171 not only provided thrilling fights but also showcased the rich stories of these athletes, illustrating their dedication and passion for the sport. It served as both a celebration of their achievements and as a reminder of the dynamic nature of martial arts. The retirements of Fernandes and Nguyen symbolize significant changes within ONE Championship, leaving fans to ponder what lies next for the fighters and the organization.
Fans can follow future developments within ONE Championship through their official social media channels and platforms, ensuring they remain updated on news and upcoming events. The heart-wrenching retirements come with the excitement of new challenges, and the next chapter for many of these fighters, including Haggerty, promises to keep the sport lively and engaging.