As ONE 168: Denver approaches, the excitement continues to build for what could be one of the most memorable fights of the year
Liam Harrison’s return to the Circle after a two-year hiatus is a story of resilience and determination. His matchup with Seksan is more than just a fight; it’s a test of skill, strategy, and mental fortitude.
For Harrison, victory would be a triumphant return to the top, while Seksan will be looking to prove that he remains one of the most feared strikers in Muay Thai. With so much on the line, fans can expect a fight that will be talked about for years to come.
Despite his recent success, Seksan is fully aware of the challenges that lie ahead. Facing a fighter of Harrison’s caliber is no easy task, and Seksan will need to bring his A-game to come out on top. Harrison’s experience, striking power, and ring IQ are all factors that Seksan will need to contend with.
However, Seksan’s confidence and momentum, combined with his own striking abilities, make him a formidable opponent for anyone in the division.
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Seksan: Liam Harrison’s Road to Redemption
Liam Harrison, known to fans as the “Hitman,” is one of the most electrifying strikers in the world of Muay Thai.1
His upcoming fight against Seksan is one of the most anticipated bouts of 2024. For Harrison, this fight is not just another opportunity to showcase his skills; it’s a chance for redemption after suffering a devastating knee injury two years ago.
In August 2022, Harrison faced off against Nong-O Hama, a legendary figure in Muay Thai, at ONE on Prime Video 1. The fight was set to be a monumental clash between two of the sport’s most celebrated athletes.
However, Harrison’s dreams of securing the ONE World Title were shattered in the opening round when he sustained a severe knee injury, forcing the match to be stopped. The injury left Harrison sidelined for an extended period, but now, after two long years of recovery and rehabilitation, he is ready to step back into the Circle.
東京駅 pic.twitter.com/Sg5h5MPZSM
— Seksan ・セックサン Photography (@sekkusanphoto) August 29, 2024
The Significance of ONE 168: Denver
ONE 168: Denver is set to be one of the biggest events in ONE Championship history, and Harrison’s return is a major highlight. The event will take place at the iconic Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, a venue known for hosting some of the most exciting combat sports events in the world.
Fans across the United States and Canada will be able to witness the action live on Amazon Prime Video, making it accessible to a broad audience eager to see how Harrison fares in his comeback fight.
This event is especially significant as it marks ONE Championship’s expansion into the U.S. market. Denver, known for its high altitude and passionate sports fans, provides the perfect backdrop for this historic event.
Fighters competing at ONE 168 will not only have to deal with their opponents but also the challenges posed by the city’s elevation, which can impact endurance and performance.
Seksan: Challenge Posed
Harrison’s opponent, Seksan, is no ordinary fighter. Nicknamed “The Man Who Yields To No One,” Seksan is a formidable Muay Thai practitioner with a reputation for delivering punishing blows, particularly with his elbows.2
His aggressive style and relentless pressure make him a dangerous adversary for anyone in the division.
Harrison is well aware of the threat that Seksan poses, particularly with his elbows. In a recent interview with ONE Championship, Harrison acknowledged the danger, stating, “He has horrible elbows.
The angles he throws them and he just swings in with them. If I’m not careful and I just start swinging all over trying to get rid of him, that’s when he ends up putting people out and knocking them down with elbows.”
Seksan’s elbows are not just powerful; they are precise. His ability to throw them from various angles and with devastating force has been the downfall of many opponents. For Harrison, avoiding these elbows will be critical if he hopes to emerge victorious.
Seksan: Workout
Seksan shared his hard workout video including his training for match on his official instagram account.
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The Strategy for Victory
To succeed against Seksan, Harrison will need to employ a smart and calculated strategy. Rushing in recklessly, as he mentioned, could result in him walking straight into one of Seksan’s deadly elbows. Instead, Harrison must rely on his experience and technical skills to outmaneuver Seksan.
One of Harrison’s strengths is his ability to read his opponents and adapt his strategy on the fly. He has a sharp fight IQ and is known for making adjustments mid-fight. Against Seksan, Harrison will need to use his footwork to stay out of range of the elbows while looking for opportunities to counterattack.
By maintaining distance and using lateral movement, Harrison can avoid being cornered and minimize the chances of getting caught by Seksan’s elbows.
Harrison’s leg kicks are another weapon that could play a crucial role in this fight. Known for his powerful low kicks, Harrison could use them to slow down Seksan’s forward pressure, making it more difficult for Seksan to close the distance and throw his elbows. By targeting Seksan’s legs early in the fight, Harrison can disrupt his rhythm and potentially limit his mobility.
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Seksan: Mental Battle
Beyond the physical aspects of the fight, Harrison will also have to contend with the mental challenges of returning to the ring after such a significant injury.3
Recovering from a major injury is as much a psychological battle as it is a physical one. The fear of re-injury can weigh heavily on a fighter’s mind, and overcoming that fear is crucial to performing at the highest level.
Harrison has been candid about the mental struggles he faced during his recovery. The journey back to full fitness was long and arduous, filled with moments of doubt and frustration.
However, Harrison’s determination and love for the sport kept him going. His resilience and mental toughness will be key factors in his performance against Seksan.
The Impact of the Altitude
Denver’s high altitude is another factor that could influence the outcome of this fight. The city’s elevation can have a significant impact on a fighter’s cardio and endurance.
The thin air at higher altitudes means less oxygen is available, making it more difficult to maintain a high pace throughout the fight. Fighters who are not accustomed to these conditions often struggle with fatigue earlier than they would at sea level.
Harrison and Seksan will both need to prepare for this challenge. Training in high-altitude environments or using altitude simulation techniques can help fighters acclimate to these conditions. It will be interesting to see how both fighters adapt and whether the altitude will play a role in the later rounds of the fight.
The Stakes of the Fight
- The stakes for Harrison in this fight are incredibly high. A win would not only mark a successful comeback but also position him as a top contender in the division once again.
- It would also serve as a testament to his perseverance and dedication to the sport. For Seksan, a victory over a fighter of Harrison’s caliber would further cement his status as one of the most dangerous strikers in Muay Thai.
- A loss for Harrison, however, could be devastating. After two years of recovery and rebuilding, a defeat could set him back significantly.
- The pressure on Harrison is immense, but he has faced high-pressure situations before and thrived. His ability to handle the mental and emotional aspects of the fight will be just as important as his physical preparation.
- Fans of Muay Thai and combat sports, in general, are eagerly awaiting this clash. Harrison’s aggressive style and Seksan’s relentless pressure make for a thrilling matchup that promises to deliver fireworks. Both fighters are known for their exciting fights, and this bout is expected to be no different.
- The return of Harrison, in particular, has generated a lot of buzz. Fans are eager to see if he can return to his peak form and deliver the kind of performance that made him a fan favorite.
- Seksan, with his reputation for violence in the ring, will undoubtedly be looking to spoil Harrison’s comeback and add another highlight to his already impressive resume.
Seksan’s Meteoric Rise in ONE Championship
Seksan, a name that has quickly become synonymous with excitement and relentless action in ONE Championship, has had a phenomenal year
. In just 12 months, Seksan has established himself as one of the most dynamic fighters in the promotion, securing eight impressive victories.
His performances have been nothing short of spectacular, particularly with his knockout victories over Sean Clancy and Isaac Araya. As Seksan continues to rise through the ranks, his upcoming bout at ONE 168: Denver against the veteran Liam Harrison is poised to be a career-defining moment.
Seksan’s Impressive Victories
Seksan’s journey in ONE Championship has been marked by a series of impressive victories. His ability to adapt and evolve with each fight has been a key factor in his success.
The victories over Sean Clancy and Isaac Araya, in particular, showcased his striking power and precision. These knockouts were not only a testament to his skill but also to his determination to make a mark in the promotion.
Each fight has brought Seksan closer to the top, and with every victory, he has gained more confidence and momentum.
The Anticipation of Facing Liam Harrison
For Seksan, the opportunity to face Liam Harrison is more than just another fight; it’s a chance to prove himself against one of the most well-known and respected fighters in the sport.
Harrison, known as “The Hitman,” has been a staple in the world of Muay Thai and kickboxing for years. Although he has been sidelined recently, his reputation as a dangerous and explosive fighter remains intact. Seksan is fully aware of the challenge that Harrison presents, but he is excited about the prospect of facing someone with a similar fighting style.
Seksan and Harrison share a mutual respect for each other, particularly because of their similar fighting styles.
Both fighters are known for their aggressive, forward-moving approach and their love for explosive action. Seksan has expressed his excitement about this matchup, noting that their styles are likely to create an incredibly entertaining fight.
“I think it would be very fun because we both share the same exciting style, always moving forward, explosive action, and I think it’s going to be like an absolutely explosive fight,” Seksan said.
This mutual respect and understanding of each other’s strengths and weaknesses set the stage for what could be one of the most exciting fights of the year.
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