November 2026: A Month of Unforgettable Action in ONE Championship

November 2026 is poised to be a monumental month for martial arts enthusiasts, as ONE Championship rolls out five exhilarating events across Thailand and Japan. These showcases will present top contenders, legendary champions fighting to preserve their titles, and a spotlight for emerging talent eager to establish their presence on the world stage.

From the esteemed Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok to the vibrant EBARA WAVE Arena in Tokyo, fans can expect a spectacular display of MMA, Muay Thai, kickboxing, and submission grappling. Let's delve into what this thrilling month has in store for fight fans.

A High-Stakes Title Showdown Begins the Month

The action kicks off with The Inner Circle 37 on Friday, November 6. This event will see reigning two-division World Champion Christian “The Warrior” Lee defend his lightweight title against Tye Ruotolo, the current ONE Welterweight Submission Grappling World Champion, at Bangkok's Lumpinee Stadium.

Lee brings a wealth of experience, having built an impressive career over the last decade marked by a well-rounded skill set and relentless fighting style. Ruotolo, on the other hand, has been a force in submission grappling, now looking to add MMA gold to his accomplishments.

The personal stakes in this matchup elevate the excitement. Ruotolo famously handed Lee's younger brother, Adrian, his first professional defeat by submission last year. This creates an added layer of motivation for Lee as he looks to not only defend his title but also settle family scores.

ONE Fight Night 49: The Lightweight Clash

On the same day, November 6, Bangkok will host ONE Fight Night 49, featuring an explosive lightweight matchup between Brazilian talent Lucas Gabriel and the undefeated Bahraini fighter Magomed “Muhammad” Magomedov.

Gabriel has steadily made his way up the lightweight ranks, showcasing a blend of sharp striking and effective grappling tactics. Up against him, Magomedov enters the ONE championship with a perfect 15-0 record, bringing exceptional grappling prowess and striking versatility to the octagon.

This fight is not just about individual legacies, but an opportunity for both fighters to carve their names among the division's elite. Additionally, fans can enjoy a flyweight rematch between Taiki “Silent Sniper” Naito and Kongthoranee Sor Sommai, as well as a unique openweight submission grappling match between BJJ stars Victor Hugo and Devhonte “Bones” Johnson.

Icons Collide in Muay Thai

A week later, on November 13, the spotlight shifts to The Inner Circle 38, an event heralding the quarterfinals of the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Grand Prix. This competition features the finest strikers vying for one of the sport's most coveted titles.

Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon, a fearsome Muay Thai star, is set to clash with Nong-O Hama, both of whom are renowned in the sport. Rodtang is known for his aggressive style, while Nong-O boasts a reputation for his precise technical striking. Their upcoming encounter should serve as a thrilling display of contrasting styles.

The quarterfinal round will also see rising stars, such as Japanese fighter Shimon Yoshinari and Lebanese knockout artist Ramadan “The Scorpion” Ondash, each aiming for a breakthrough moment in their careers.

ONE SAMURAI 5: A Showdown in Tokyo

On November 18, ONE SAMURAI 5 takes center stage at Tokyo’s EBARA WAVE Arena, featuring an enticing Strawweight MMA championship bout. Filipino champion Joshua “The Passion” Pacio will defend his title against Japanese contender Keito “Pocket Monk” Yamakita.

Pacio is known for his dynamic fighting skills, blending striking with grappling finesse, but defending his crown in Japan is a tall order. Yamakita’s tenacity and grappling skills make him a dangerous opponent, especially with home soil advantage.

Additionally, kickboxing talent Ryujin Nasukawa will face Moroccan standout Elmehdi “The Sniper” El Jamari, and former champion Jarred “The Monkey God” Brooks will challenge Japanese veteran Tatsumitsu “The Sweeper” Wada, ensuring an exciting mix of talent on this card.

The Grand Prix Rematch: Setting the Stage for Glory

Concluding this action-packed month is The Inner Circle 39 on November 20, featuring a thrilling rematch between reigning ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Asadula “The Dagestan Ninja” Imangazaliev and his previous opponent, the now-unbeaten Aslamjon “El Pantera” Ortikov.

Their first contest resulted in a closely contested split decision, so fans can expect heightened stakes with both the title and a place in the Grand Prix semifinals up for grabs.

Additionally, the quarterfinals will see Thai powerhouse Black Panther take on the undefeated British-Pakistani star Ubaid “Bad” Hussain, promising yet another must-see battle.

This lineup encapsulates the essence of martial arts, and November 2026 is set to create lasting memories for fans around the world.