ONE women's strawweight MMA world champion Xiong Jing Nan has defeated everyone she has taken on in her weight bracket and has accumulated an incredible catalog of dominant performances along the way.
But Xiong has something fresh, new, and unique coming up in her next outing.
On Saturday, September 30, the Chinese champion will face Nat "Wondergirl" Jaroonsak in a special rules striking matchup at ONE Fight Night 14, which takes place at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
The first-of-its-kind contest will see the pair compete in four-ounce MMA gloves over three three-minute rounds, with only closed-fist punches deemed legal. All kicks, knees, and elbows will not be permitted.
The upcoming duel will give Xiong the chance to revisit her boxing roots. As a former member of the Chinese national boxing team, she comes well equipped for the bout, and she's looking forward to a new challenge.
"Boxing is actually included in my daily MMA training routine, so I have not changed all my training modes. But of course, I have put more focus on boxing now," Xiong said.
"I have trained with different partners because everyone has a different fighting style. I want to learn more about it to enrich my experience. I will try my best to show my skills in this contest."
What makes this striking rules contest so dynamic is the level of striking that will be on offer. Xiong's boxing pedigree has pushed her to the top of the strawweight MMA division, but "Wondergirl's" credentials are not to be underestimated.
She is a former two-time Thailand national Muay Thai champion and has become well accustomed to life in four-ounce gloves while at ONE, thanks to her Muay Thai and MMA outings.
However, Xiong believes her own skillset and experience will set her apart from her Thai foe, and expects to stop Jaroonsak within the distance.
"Every contest has risk, especially when you can win or lose. And every contest must also have pressure, but I will transfer this pressure into motivation," she asserted.
"She is younger than me, and she is a good athlete. [But] I think I have rich experience in both skills and contests. Of course, I will knock her out."
