The 33-year-old said he doesn’t care about his opponent’s unbeaten status and vowed to hunt for an injury-time win from the opening bell. Isi Fitikefu guaranteed he would beat Mann by knockout or submission, while claiming he operates at a higher level than the 29-year-old Arkansas native.
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu rep Smeaton Grange, who trains with former UFC world champion Robert Whittaker, is seeking his third consecutive victory at ONE Fight Night 39, and another dominant performance could lead him to Christian Lee’s welterweight belt.
Australian star Isi Fitikefu dismisses opponent’s unbeaten record
In response to questions about facing an undefeated fighter in Mann’s promotional debut at ONE Fight Night 39, the Tongan-Australian veteran emphatically rejected the idea that his opponent’s perfect record creates added pressure or requires altered preparation.
“I don’t care if he is undefeated or if he has 1,000 fights or 600 fights. I prepare the same way as always. It doesn’t matter if it is a world title fight or a normal fight. If you get in my way, I will get past you,” said Isi Fitikefu.
Mann brings a 6-0 professional record with both knockout and submission victories. The American overcame a difficult childhood marked by his parents’ drug addiction and found discipline through martial arts, building an undefeated streak that earned him ONE shot at the championship.
Isi Fitikefu guarantees stoppage at ONE Fight Night 39
His sketch approximation, Isi Fitikefu promised brutal aggression from the opening bell as he guaranteed he would secure a finish at ONE Fight Night 39 regardless of round or method. The 33-year-old veteran expressed certainty about the outcome, but he was unsure of the specific timing or technique.
“I’m going to do everything I can, hunt, attack and do everything I can until I finish him. It could be round one, it could be round three. I don’t know which it is, I don’t know. It could be a knockout or a submission. But one thing is guaranteed: I’ll finish him,” Fitikefu said.
His two-fight winning streak after the setback in his promotional debut validates his ability to perform under the bright lights of ONE Championship. The veteran’s aggressive fighting style and finishing mentality create dangerous threats for opponents unprepared for his relentless pace.
Former rugby player Isi Fitikefu claims competitive superiority
Continuing his verbal attack, the fighter revealed his training philosophy, claiming he operates at a higher competitive level than his ONE Fight Night 39 opponent. Fitikefu admitted that he focused on executing his own game plan rather than making adjustments based on the opponent’s tendencies.
“I basically just train in my own style. I don’t train according to his style or anyone else’s style. I do what I can do within my control. I don’t know what he did, but I feel like I’m a level above him,” said Isi Fitikefu.
The welterweight clash promises fireworks as two confident finishers with opposing motivations collide. Mann looks to validate his undefeated record and announce his arrival as a legitimate threat to ONE Championship’s welterweight elite, while Fitikefu looks to extend his winning streak and make a case for a title shot.
ONE Fight Night 39 will air live on Prime Video on Friday, January 23. The action starts at 8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT. The event is free for all Amazon Prime subscribers in the US and Canada.
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