Lebanon's Abdallah Ondash confident on ONE Championship mission
For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport
The young Lebanese athlete features in the main event of global martial arts organization ONE Championship's ONE Friday Fights 112 on June 13 inside Bangkok's historic Lumpinee Stadium.
Ondash is no stranger to the iconic venue. He made a remarkable debut in the weekly fight series on Aug. 4, 2023, coming from behind to knock out his opponent with one second to go on the clock. The highlight-reel finish amazed fans worldwide who tune in every week as rising talents in the world of martial arts vie for a big contract and a place on ONE Championship's international roster.
Ondash is oozing confidence ahead of his next mission, and said: 'I want to focus and take my time (during the fight). Hopefully, I will win this fight. I don't like talking much about fights; I let my performance in the ring do the talking.'
The 23-year-old Lebanese fighter has an impressive resume. Since turning professional in 2017, Ondash has amassed an overall professional record of 21-2, and picked up national, regional, and global accolades.
But the rising star knows he has a tough test on Friday as he takes on Thai opponent Singdomthong Nokjeanladkrabang in a 57.6 kg contest.
The 28-year-old holds a 6-1 record at ONE Friday Fights. The two fighters are evenly matched in their height, weight, and reach, but the Thai is far more experienced, with 84 career wins and accolades that include the World Muaythai Council's Featherweight Muay Thai world title and IFMA World Championship.
Ondash has nothing but respect for his opponent, and said: 'He (has) won six out of seven and lost one fight by the smallest of margins. He is a good fighter and has won lots of accolades.'
With two grueling training sessions per day for five weeks, Ondash has been focusing his efforts on improving his conditioning, cardio and fitness to keep up with an experienced fighter known for his slick movement and endurance.
However, Ondash owns the skill set, courage, and in-ring intelligence to claim what could be a pivotal win in his career.
He secured his third knockout victory at the expense of Thailand's Petlampun in his most recent fight, bouncing back from a lone majority decision defeat he endured at the hands of Chokpreecha last July.
Ondash knows that victory against an established star will take him closer to the dream of winning a $100,000 contract with ONE Championship.
He said: '(Following my defeat) I won the next fight by knockout. So, if I had won that fight, even if by decision, I could have gotten the contract. But I am just focusing on my next fight. I want to win.'
ONE Friday Fights 112 begins at 3:30 p.m. KSA on Friday, June 13, and will be broadcast live via beIN SPORTS.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arab News
2 days ago
- Arab News
Lebanon defeat Qatar on second day of FIBA Asia Cup in Jeddah
JEDDAH: The second day of the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup saw Lebanon sneak past Qatar 84-80 in their Group A opening fixture at King Abdullah Sports City on Wednesday night. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport The clash, which attracted a strong Lebanese attendance, marked the start of a group widely regarded as the toughest in the competition, and which also features South Korea and defending champions Australia. Earlier, Australia — winners of the 2017 and 2022 events — had opened their 2025 FIBA Asia Cup campaign with a dominant 97-61 win over Korea. Jack McVeigh led the charge with a team-high of 20 points. Australia's head coach Adam Caporn said: 'Being well-prepared for that and having a good performance (in the) first game, and a win, is something we definitely wanted, and something that we value and we're going to talk about.' In other matches, Japan recovered from a shaky first half to claim a commanding 99-68 victory over Syria in their Group B opener on Wednesday at King Abdullah Sports City. Meanwhile, Iran used a dominant first half and a strong fourth-quarter finish to take down Guam 77-52. The Saudi national basketball team will play against its Jordanian counterpart on Thursday night in their second match at the FIBA Asian Cup. The Green Falcons are looking for their first victory in the championship after losing to China in the opening match 93-88, while Jordan had succeeded in defeating India 91-84 in their first match. A Saudi victory will enhance the hosts' chances of progressing to the second round, while a win for the Jordanian team ensures qualification to the knockout stages directly. On Thursday, three matches will be held at King Abdullah Sports City, as China meets India, Iraq faces China Taipei, and the Philippines play New Zealand.
Arab News
2 days ago
- Arab News
‘Bigger than sports': UAE-based endurance icon Ghani Souleymane embarks on Guinness World Record attempt
DUBAI: UAE-based endurance athlete Ghani Souleymane is taking on his most formidable challenge to complete 100 full-distance T100 triathlons in 100 consecutive days, which would be a Guinness World Record. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport Souleymane will begin his attempt on Aug. 8 at Kite Beach, Dubai, and conclude it on Nov. 16 at the T100 Race Village in the city. The Togo national, who has lived in Dubai for eight years, will be raising funds for children through the Al-Jalila Foundation. A deeply respected figure in the UAE's sporting community, Souleymane has built a reputation for taking on big goals with a purpose. 'This challenge is bigger than sport,' he said. 'I know it will push me to my limits, but ultimately it's about showing what's possible when you commit fully. I want to use this first-of-its-kind challenge to help others, especially disadvantaged children.' Each of the 100 consecutive triathlons will follow the T100 format, comprising a 2 km swim, 80 km cycle, and 18 km run. His attempt has the support of the Professional Triathletes Organisation. The PTO are the organizers of the T100 Triathlon World Tour, which has already taken place in Singapore (April 5 to 6), San Francisco (May 31) and Vancouver (June 14 to 15). The London edition of the T100 takes place from Aug. 9 to 10, just after Souleymane's new challenge begins. The 42-year-old is no stranger to pushing the boundaries of what the human body and mind can achieve. Souleymane works at Dubai's Adidas flagship store as a running specialist. He uses his high-profile sports platform to empower youth, advocate for mental resilience, and raise funds for humanitarian causes. He supports the Dubai-based Heroes of Hope, a non-profit organization helping people of determination through sports, and the Al-Jalila Foundation. In 2020, he was inducted into the Dubai Fitness Challenge Hall of Fame by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, crown prince of Dubai, for completing 30 ultramarathons in 30 days. In 2021, he completed 30 consecutive 70.3 half-Ironman distances, and 30 full-Ironman contests in 2023. 'Sport has the power to shine a powerful light on many worthy causes in our society,' said Souleymane. 'I believe each of us can make a difference, and every step, wheel spin or swim stroke of my attempts is undertaken to support others.' The PTO's CEO Sam Renouf said: 'We did a double take when Ghani first got in touch and told us what he was thinking.' 'Doing 100 consecutive T100s is quite an undertaking. In total, it works out as a 200 km swim, 8,000 km bike and 1,800 km run. We think he's brilliant and we wish him the very best of luck because he's doing it for a fantastic cause. 'Ghani is showing what's possible when someone puts their mind to it, which is very much our mindset with the T100 series, to showcase the best triathletes in the world racing head-to-head in iconic cities like Dubai, but also giving an opportunity for athletes of all abilities to get involved and have a go.' The T100 Triathlon World Tour series blends elite performance with a commitment to amateur racing and building the global triathlon community. The Dubai T100 Triathlon is in its second year and a key part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge's month-long push to encourage everyone to do 30 minutes of activity for 30 days in November. There are also opportunities to do a sprint triathlon (750 meter swim, 20 km bike, 5 km run), a schools race and corporate duathlon relay. 'Sport gave me a second chance in life,' said Souleymane. His enormous fueling requirements for the challenge — around 7,000 calories a day — are being sponsored by Dubai-based health food business SKitchen, and nutritionist Yuri Nemoto. Leading entrepreneurs and philanthropists Vadym Synegin, Alexandr Ilyushin and Sasha Fetisova have joined hands with and to ensure the athlete has the full kit required. His requirements include running shoes, transportation, swimming gear and a Ventum triathlon bike, which has been customized with Souleymane's own logo, designed by Dubai-based creative director Tabrez Ahmad. 'Now, with the support of people from all walks of life in Dubai, I can use my platform to give kids in the UAE and around the world their first chance. 'Every dirham raised will go towards causes that empower through sport. I also hope that through my challenge, others are inspired to make sport and movement part of their lifestyle.'
Arab News
6 days ago
- Arab News
Dubai, Abu Dhabi to host T20 Asia Cup matches
Dubai and Abu Dhabi will be the host cities for the men's Twenty20 Asia Cup, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) said, with arch-rivals India and Pakistan to meet in Dubai on September 14. The tournament in the United Arab Emirates, scheduled to run from September 9 to 28, will feature eight teams — two more than the last edition — with 11 matches in Dubai and eight in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi will host the opener between Afghanistan and Hong Kong, while the final will be held in Dubai. 'Hosting it in the UAE allows us to bring the excitement to one of the most vibrant cricketing hubs in the world,' ACC President Mohsin Naqvi said in a media release on Saturday. 'Dubai and Abu Dhabi are well equipped to deliver a seamless and world class experience for players, fans, and broadcasters alike.' Group A includes defending champions India, Pakistan, UAE and Oman, while Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Hong Kong are in Group B. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport
