Brazilian fighter Lucas Gabriel will finally meet Russian destroyer Magomed Akaev in a rescheduled lightweight bout after an injury forced the Russian out of their ONE Fight Night 38 match.
The card also features third-ranked strawweight Bokang Masunyane, who seeks redemption against Japanese newcomer Ryohei Kurosawa after back-to-back losses in the top-tier competition.
Brazilian contender gets second chance against Russian threat
The 25-year-old Gabriel brings a professional record of 10-1 and a promotional mark of 3-0 into this rescheduled lightweight showdown at ONE Fight Night 39. The Brazilian contender competed in his most recent outing but saw the outcome changed to a no-contest, leaving him eager to get back into the win column against a dangerous Russian opponent looking for his own breakthrough.
Akaev also comes in with a career record of 10-1 after a hard-fought promotional debut against fellow countryman Ibragim Dauev that ended in a split-decision loss. The 29-year-old Black Dragon representative showed incredible toughness in his first appearance despite falling short on the scorecards. Now fully healthy after the injury that prevented their December meeting, the Russian destroyer will look to announce his arrival with a win.
Both fighters need impressive wins to position themselves among the division’s top contenders, adding urgency to a matchup that could lead to a breakthrough.
South African veteran seeks redemption against Japanese ace
The 31-year-old Masunyane faces a critical crossroads as he tries to halt a two-fight skid following back-to-back losses to top-level strawweight fighters. The South African contender has four promotional wins, including three victories over Japanese opponents, showing his familiarity with competing against fighters from that region. His No. 3 ranking reflects previous success in the division, but back-to-back defeats have created pressure to deliver an emphatic rebound performance at ONE Fight Night 39.
Kurosawa represents a dangerous opponent for a fighter looking for redemption, as the 32-year-old Japanese veteran brings a career record of 20-4 and momentum from his successful promotional debut. The Blackbelt Japan product defeated Filipino Jayson Miralpez via unanimous decision in September 2025, with his arrival billed as a legitimate threat.
The strawweight matchup features contrasting motivations, as Masunyane fights to maintain his position while Kurosawa attempts to climb the division ladder with a signature victory over ranked opposition.
Stacked card during ONE Fight Night 39 with multiple disciplines
ONE Fight Night 39 showcases the organization’s multi-disciplinary approach with five confirmed fights, including MMA, Muay Thai and submission grappling. The lineup features 18-year-old American BJJ phenom Helena Crevar making her highly anticipated promotional debut against Hawaiian veteran Teshya Noelani Alo in bantamweight submission wrestling action.
The “art of the eight limbs” will be represented through flyweight Muay Thai action between Kongthoranee Sor Sommai and Asadula Imangazaliev, plus a bantamweight Muay Thai clash pitting Rambolek Chor Ajalaboon against Abdulla Dayakaev. The diverse card promises compelling action across multiple combat sports as ONE Championship kicks off its 2026 primetime schedule in the US.
ONE Fight Night 39 will air live on Prime Video on Friday, January 24. The action starts at 9pm ET/6pm PT. The event is free for all Amazon Prime subscribers in the US and Canada.
#Gabriel #Akaev #Masunyane #Kurosawa #added #Fight #Night #January #MMASucka