What’s Next For Heavyweight MMA Star Ben Tynan In ONE Championship? 

The debut of Canadian mixed martial artist Ben Tynan in ONE Championship couldn’t have gone any better last weekend at ONE Fight Night 16.

The unbeaten heavyweight star dominated Kang Ji Won en route to a third-round submission win inside Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on Saturday, 4th November, to announce himself to the world in style.

The victory pushed Tynan to 5-0 in his professional career and has put him in a great spot heading into 2024. With that in mind, let’s look at what could be next for “Vanilla Thunder” in the world’s largest martial arts organization.

Amir Aliakbari

Tynan certainly lived up to the hype surrounding him in his first outing under the bright lights of ONE Championship. And if the Canadian star wanted to stamp his authority on the stacked heavyweight MMA division fast, a perfect name to do so against would be Amir Aliakbari. 

Aliakbari is a bona fide contender in the ever-growing bracket, meaning anyone wanting to make a name for themselves would surely have to go through him. 

The Iranian star has earned three consecutive knockout victories in ONE. And while his eyes may be locked on a rematch with World Champion Anatoly Malykhin, taking out Tynan would further cement his place at the top of the pile.

Mauro Cerilli

Mauro Cerilli has faced a who’s-who of heavyweight stars in ONE, and his gigantic stature would offer a perfect second test for Tynan. 

Having faced names like Aliakbari as well as former heavyweight kings Arjan Bhullar and Brandon Vera, Cerilli is one of the most experienced members in the heavyweight MMA division. 

The Italian star recently returned to winning ways with a first-round TKO victory over Paul Elliott at ONE Fight Night 14, and he’d be looking to derail Tynan’s hype train if they were to square off.

Roman Lukashevich

Along with Tynan, Roman Lukashevich is also a touted new prospect in ONE’s heavyweight MMA ranks. 

The Russian has a perfect 7-0 record, which is similar to “Vanilla Thunder’s” overall slate, and he silenced a surging Lawrence Phillips in his debut at ONE Friday Fights 27 this past August.

The chance to stop another unbeaten star would certainly appeal to Lukashevich, but Tynan would greet that same oppportunity with open arms.

The battle of the undefeated up-and-comers would make for fascinating viewing for fans, and whoever emerged victorious would no longer be the new kid on the block – they’d be the heavyweight star to watch.