Manthan Rane to fight Andrey Chelbaev at ONE Friday Fights 18

Indian MMA fighter Manthan Rane is all set to compete at ONE Friday Fights 18 in Thailand. Manthan, who was undefeated at ONE Warrior Series across two fights, will be making his return to the ONE Championship platform with his upcoming fight.

This will also be the first time for Manthan at ONE Friday Fights, the series that ONE Championship has been hosting at the iconic Lumpinee Stadium.

Training out of Team Relentless in Mumbai under Jitendra Khare, Manthan comes into the fight on the back of two back-to-back wins and an undefeated MMA Record. He was recently seen in action at TSF Fight Night 1 in Goa where he outclassed Vikas Subash Jaiswar via a rear-naked choke.

Prior to this, he had also secured a win over Arun Bist at Warrior’s Dream Series 4 in Navi Mumbai.

“I am going to fight for the first time at ONE Friday Fights. More than that, I am glad that I got the chance to compete at Lumpini Stadium, which is one of the biggest stadiums in Thailand and has a very high reputation. I am most excited about this. ONE Championship has given me a wonderful opportunity. I have been waiting for this for a long time,” Manthan noted ahead of his fight at the event [via ONE Championship]

He also added that he would be looking for the finish in the fight.

“My team and I don't study the opposing fighters too much and watch their fight videos too much because everyone is improving themselves every day. He is a striker like a boxer. For me he is just like any other competitor. He also has two hands, two legs and only one head. I will try to knock him out. Any move that gets me the finish will be my main move. My team and I go to training with the mindset to finish the fight. I will look for my chance to finish and try to give my best,” he added.

At ONE Friday Fights 18, Manthan will be going up against Andrey Chelbaev of Russia. The Russian comes into the fight with a record of 3-1 to his name and was seen in action last at Fairtex Fight. He has also fought at Spartacus MMA and Open Fighting Championship. This will be the promotional debut of Chelbaev.

What are your thoughts on Manthan fighting at ONE Friday Fights 18? Let us know in the comments below