The Lusail Sports Arena was on fire as ONE Championship made its long-awaited return to the Middle East with ONE 171: Qatar. The event delivered on all fronts — dramatic knockouts, championship clashes, and touching retirement speeches from some of MMA’s most beloved veterans.
Fans from around the world tuned in to watch a card stacked with talent, and they were treated to unforgettable moments that will be talked about for years. From jaw-dropping finishes to passionate post-fight interviews, ONE 171 was everything a combat sports fan could hope for.
Joshua Pacio Reclaims Strawweight Crown with Shocking Finish
In the headline bout of the evening, Joshua “The Passion” Pacio completed his long journey back to the top by defeating Jarred “The Monkey God” Brooks via second-round TKO. It was the final chapter in their thrilling trilogy, and Pacio made sure it ended emphatically.
Brooks started strong in the first round, using his wrestling to control Pacio and threatening with submission attempts. But Pacio kept his composure, defended well, and waited for his chance to strike. That opportunity came in Round 2.
With lightning-fast combinations and pinpoint accuracy, Pacio stunned Brooks with a flurry of punches, forcing the referee to step in. The win not only unified the ONE Strawweight MMA World Championship, but also earned Pacio a $50,000 performance bonus — and roars of approval from the crowd.
Haggerty Shines in Five-Round War to Retain Kickboxing Belt
In the co-main event, England’s Jonathan “The General” Haggerty successfully defended his ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Title against the dangerous Chinese striker Wei Rui.
The bout was a high-octane technical showcase, with both fighters showing elite footwork, sharp timing, and championship-level grit. Rui brought the pressure early, but Haggerty’s experience and composure helped him weather the storm and gradually take control in the later rounds.
After five rounds of fierce back-and-forth action, Haggerty earned a unanimous decision win. The British champion further solidified his legacy and proved once again why he’s one of the most exciting kickboxers on the planet.
Roberto Soldic’s Thunderous KO Marks His Arrival
One of the night’s biggest statements came from Croatian knockout artist Roberto “Robocop” Soldic, who delivered a devastating first-round finish against Dagi Arslanaliev.
Soldic’s powerful left hook ended the fight just under two minutes into Round 1. It was his first major win under the ONE banner — and what a way to announce himself. The arena exploded as Arslanaliev hit the mat, and Soldic walked away with a performance bonus and plenty of new fans.
With that kind of power and timing, Soldic immediately becomes a name to watch in the stacked lightweight division.
Shamil Erdogan Stuns Aung La N Sang in Emotional Bout
Another unforgettable knockout came from Turkish standout Shamil Erdogan, who faced fan-favorite Aung La N Sang in a 210-pound catchweight MMA fight.
Aung La, a former two-division champion, entered the bout with hopes of making one more title run, but Erdogan had other plans. A crisp combination midway through the first round dropped the Myanmar legend and silenced the crowd.
Erdogan’s impressive KO earned him a $50,000 bonus and sent a clear message that he’s ready for top-tier competition. For Aung La, it was a tough loss in what might have been one of the final fights of his career.
Nguyen and Fernandes Say Goodbye After Years of Greatness
In two of the night’s most emotional moments, former champions Martin Nguyen and Bibiano Fernandes officially retired after their respective fights.
Nguyen, once known as “The Situ-Asian,” battled Shamil Gasanov in a featherweight bout. Though he showed flashes of brilliance, Gasanov’s youth and grappling proved too much. After the decision was read, Nguyen left his gloves in the cage, signaling the end of his storied career.
Similarly, Bibiano Fernandes, widely considered one of the best bantamweights in MMA history, faced longtime rival Kevin Belingon in a long-awaited trilogy closer. Fernandes walked away with a split decision win — and then announced that it was his final fight.
Both fighters received standing ovations, with fans and fellow athletes alike paying tribute to their contributions to the sport.
Other Highlights from the Stacked Fight Card
- Ayaka Miura picked up a slick submission victory via scarf-hold armlock, reminding everyone why she’s a top contender in the women’s division.
- Kade Ruotolo, the grappling phenom, continued his unbeaten streak with another dominant display of jiu-jitsu mastery.
- Newcomers and rising stars also shined on the undercard, making it clear that ONE Championship’s future is as bright as ever.
Performance Bonuses ($50,000 Each):
- Joshua Pacio
- Roberto Soldic
- Shamil Erdogan
- Ayaka Miura
- Kade Ruotolo
Conclusion: A Night to Remember
ONE 171 was more than just another fight night — it was a celebration of martial arts spirit, respect, and excellence. From rising stars making names for themselves to legends giving heartfelt farewells, every moment had something special.
Qatar proved to be the perfect host for this historic night, and if the crowd’s energy was any indication, fans in the region are hungry for more live events.
With memorable finishes, championship drama, and emotional retirements, ONE 171 has set a high bar for combat sports in 2025. Whether you’re a die-hard MMA fan or a casual viewer, this was one event you won’t forget.
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