ONE Championship Returns to Lumpinee Stadium with Explosive ONE Friday Fights 108
The legendary Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand is about to heat up once again as ONE Championship brings another action-packed night of combat sports on May 16. ONE Friday Fights 108 is set to deliver the kind of explosive matchups that have made this iconic venue a temple of Muay Thai and now, a hotbed for MMA enthusiasts worldwide.
I’ve been covering ONE Championship events for years, and there’s something special about the energy at Lumpinee that just can’t be replicated anywhere else. The historic stadium vibrates with decades of martial arts history while showcasing the future of combat sports.
Why Lumpinee Stadium Remains the Ultimate Proving Ground
For those unfamiliar with Lumpinee’s significance, imagine Madison Square Garden for boxing or the old PRIDE arena in Japan for MMA. This isn’t just another venue—it’s hallowed ground where legends are made and careers defined.
The partnership between ONE Championship and the Royal Thai Army (who owns the stadium) has revolutionized how fans experience fights at this historic venue. Traditional Muay Thai purists initially raised eyebrows when ONE began hosting events here, but the marriage has proven spectacular for fighters and fans alike.
What Makes ONE Friday Fights Different
The Friday Fights series has become ONE Championship’s developmental showcase—think of it as their version of Dana White’s Contender Series, but with a distinctly Asian flavor. Several fighters who’ve impressed on Friday Fights cards have earned six-figure contracts with ONE’s main roster.
What you’ll see at ONE Friday Fights 108:
- Rising stars looking to make statement performances
- Technical striking masterclasses from Muay Thai specialists
- Potential future champions in early career battles
- The unique ONE ruleset that favors finishes and aggression
Bangkok’s Fighting Renaissance
Thailand’s capital has experienced a combat sports revival thanks to these weekly events. Every Friday, the stadium fills with a mix of devoted local fans and international tourists seeking authentic Muay Thai action. The atmosphere is electric—there’s nothing quite like hearing thousands of knowledgeable fans react to a perfectly timed elbow or a devastating sweep.
For fighters, competing at Lumpinee represents both a connection to Thailand’s martial heritage and a platform to showcase evolving fighting styles. The stadium’s reputation for technical excellence means that sloppy brawlers don’t typically fare well here.
How to Watch ONE Friday Fights 108
If you’re wondering how to catch this event, ONE continues to make their Friday Fights series incredibly accessible. You can watch live on:
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| ONE Championship YouTube | Free Worldwide |
| ONE Championship Facebook | Free Worldwide |
| ONE Super App | Free Worldwide |
The accessibility of these events has been a game-changer for combat sports fans. No paywall means more eyes on these incredible athletes—something the UFC could learn from.
Why This May 16th Card Matters
While the full fight card hasn’t been announced yet, ONE’s Friday Fights events consistently deliver surprising performances and viral moments. Some of the most-viewed knockouts in combat sports over the past year have come from these weekly shows.
The typical ONE Friday Fights event features around 12 bouts across various disciplines: Muay Thai, MMA, kickboxing, and sometimes specialized ruleset matches. What makes these cards special is the hungry talent—fighters who know a spectacular finish could change their life with a contract to the main ONE roster.
The Lumpinee Experience
For those lucky enough to attend in person, Lumpinee offers an immersive cultural experience unlike any other combat sports venue. The pre-fight rituals, the traditional music, the gambling that occurs openly in certain sections—it’s a window into Thailand’s fighting soul.
If you’re planning a trip to Thailand, timing it around a ONE Friday Fights event should be high on your priority list. Tickets are surprisingly affordable compared to major Western MMA events, with prices starting around $20-30 USD for decent seats.
The ONE Championship Difference
What separates ONE from other promotions is their genuine embrace of all combat sports disciplines. While the UFC often treats kickboxing and Muay Thai as merely components of MMA, ONE gives these arts their own spotlight.
The organization’s hydration protocols and weight-cutting policies also create a safer environment for fighters. We’ve seen fewer last-minute cancellations and healthier athletes as a result.
Mark Your Calendar for May 16
Whether you’re a hardcore MMA fan or just getting into combat sports, ONE Friday Fights 108 promises the kind of authentic martial arts action that reminds us why we fell in love with fighting in the first place. Raw talent, cultural tradition, and modern production values combine to create something special every Friday at Lumpinee.
I’ll be watching—and if you’re smart, you will be too. Stay tuned for updates on the fight card as they’re announced.
Until then, keep your guard up and your expectations high for another night of martial arts magic in Bangkok.
Source: ONE Championship