One Championship has confirmed a welterweight showdown for its Aug. 2 event in Manila, Philippines. Dubbed “Dawn of Heroes,” the main card will now also include a bout between American James Nakashima and veteran mixed martial artist Yushin Okami.
The Pacific island will also host the return of two former Ultimate Fighting Championship titleholders in flyweight Demetrious Johnson and lightweight Eddie Alvarez. Johnson won his debut appearance with One, but Alvarez was felled by Timofey Nastyukhin. Alvarez will be looking for redemption when he faces off against former One titleholder Eduard Folayang.
For his part, Nakashima will be eager to make a statement against a Japanese MMA pioneer who has been fighting in cages since 2002. At 30 years old, “Nako” remains undefeated with a professional MMA record of 11-0. The Arizona native last fought in April, defeating Luis Santos in the second round due to injury.
Okami’s record runs much longer, with the “Thunder” from Kanagawa collecting 35 wins and 13 losses over his storied career. Against Nakashima, the 37-year-old will be pressed to add to his win column, especially since his last two bouts have ended in decisive losses.
One: Dawn of Heroes hits the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines, on Aug. 2.