ONE Championship has announced the headliner for its return to Indonesia next month. As per a press release Tuesday from the Asian MMA promotion, former ONE flyweight world champion Kairat Akhmetov will make a quick turnaround and take on Geje Eustaquio at the event, ONE Championship: Total Victory. The card will go down September 16 at the Jakarta Convention Center in Indonesia.
In his first fight since November 2015, Kairat Akhmetov lost the ONE flyweight title earlier this month in a unanimous decision loss to interim title holder Adriano Moraes. For Akhmetov (20-1), it was the first loss of his professional career. With the series between the former champ and Moraes tied at one win a piece, a rubber match would seem to be brewing. First, Akhmetov will need to get back on track against Eustaquio.
Geje Eustaquio (9-5), meanwhile, enters ONE Championship: Total Victory off a split decision win against Anatpong Bunrad in May. He’ll try to build a two-fight win streak and put himself in title contention with an upset victory over the former champion.
ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong said of the event that “Jakarta has remained one of ONE Championship’s most exciting destinations. The bustling capital city of Indonesia provides a perfect backdrop for our unique brand of world-class authentic martial arts action. An amazing event is planned for fans in Jakarta, as we bring to you a tremendous clash between two top flyweights in Kairat Akhmetov and Geje Eustaquio. It’s going to be another awesome evening of compelling bouts, so join us as we broadcast live around the world!”
In regards to bouncing back, Akhmetov was quoted as saying “I am excited to get back in the cage and compete. Defeat is part of this game, the important thing is to come back better. The body is ready, the mind is strong, and the spirit is willing. [Geje] Eustaquio is one of the best competitors in the division and a victory over him will mean a lot. I have one goal, and that is to get back my title. I will take care of anyone who stands in my way.”
Additional bouts are expected to be announced for the card at a later date.
