​ONE Championship returns to Bangkok’s iconic Lumpinee Stadium with a card that promises relentless action from the opening bell through the main event. The Inner Circle 22, streaming live in Asia primetime on Friday, July 17, features a stacked five-fight lineup spanning kickboxing, submission grappling, and Muay Thai, available exclusively to subscribers at live.onefc.com. Here are three undeniable reasons combat sports fans should tune in to this week’s edition of The Inner Circle.
After producing one of the most electrifying kickboxing clashes of 2022, reigning ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Champion Jonathan Di Bella and Zhang Peimian are finally set to renew their heated rivalry. The then-undefeated Team Di Bella standout narrowly edged the Chinese challenger in a breathtaking 15-minute war in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with Zhang refusing to concede. Since that defining night, Di Bella has continued to dominate, adding four more victories to his record, including a masterclass five-round defense against Sam-A Gaiyanghadao and a hard-fought unification win over Prajanchai PongSuphan PK—the very man who gave Di Bella his sole career loss. Now 29, Di Bella carries an impressive 15-1 mark into the rematch, still the calculated technician whose high-IQ striking makes him one of the most intricate puzzles in the sport.
Zhang’s path back to another title shot has been considerably more arduous. The 22-year-old Chinese standout endured a tough stretch, securing only two wins in five bouts after that heart-wrenching defeat. Rather than fade away, however, he fought his way back into World Title contention with two dominant performances over Thongpoon PK Saenchai and “El Jefe” Ellis Badr Barboza. Four years after their instant classic, both fighters return to the same stage with unfinished business. Di Bella aims to demonstrate that the technical gap between them has widened, while Zhang—who has matured into a far more dangerous foe—hopes to prove the prodigy who nearly toppled him is now a markedly different threat.
In women’s grappling, IBJJF No-Gi World Champion Helena Crevar is a name that commands attention. Few athletes have achieved what the 19-year-old has at such a young age, and her dominance has redefined what’s possible for competitors her age. Trained and promoted to black belt by the legendary John Danaher, Crevar seeks to add another clinical submission to her already stellar résumé at The Inner Circle 22. She carries an eye-catching 355-7 record into this matchup, a testament to her prolific journey in grappling. Crevar’s ascent onto the global stage was cemented when she showcased a slick estima lock finish against Teshya Noelani Alo at ONE Fight Night 39 in January, signaling that she is a true force to be reckoned with on the world’s biggest stage.
The Inner Circle 22 brings together a diverse, action-packed lineup that highlights the best in kickboxing, submission grappling, and Muay Thai. Don’t miss this high-octane event from Lumpinee Stadium, streaming in Asia primetime on Friday, July 17, exclusively at live.onefc.com. Whether you’re drawn to the precision of Di Bella’s technical striking, the resilience and grit of Zhang Peimian, or the submission artistry of Crevar, this edition promises drama, skill, and the kind of relentless intensity that ONE Championship fans crave.