Team Lakay Star Lito Adiwang Injured, Out Of ONE On Prime Video 6

KEY POINTS

Lito Adiwang has been forced out of his bout at ONE on Prime Video 6
Adiwang has re-injured his knee in training
ONE Championship is looking for a replacement to face Mansur Malachiev

Unfortunately for fans of the legendary Team Lakay, they might have to wait a little bit longer to witness the return of strawweight sensation Lito Adiwang to the ONE Championship Circle.

Just a little over a week after it was announced that the Filipino spitfire would be strapping on a pair of four-ounce gloves once again next month, Adiwang has been shelved once again.

A reliable source has told International Business Times sports editor and combat sports analyst Nissi Icasiano that Adiwang—who's coming off an ACL injury to his right knee—has re-injured that same knee in training and has been forced to withdraw from his scheduled bout against undefeated Russian newcomer Mansur Malachiev at ONE on Prime Video 6 this January 14 (January 13 in the United States) at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.

Adiwang released an official statement on his shocking withdrawal on Tuesday, December 20.

The Singapore-based combat sports outfit is currently looking for a replacement for Adiwang.

This past March, Adiwang suffered the ACL injury that kept him out of action for most of 2022 in his match versus fellow Filipino Jeremy Miado.

Quite the unfortunate turn of events for the feared striker from Baguio City, Philippines, who's seen by many as a possible top contender in the division.

Prior to re-injuring his knee, Adiwang oozed confidence and was seemingly set on making an impact in his comeback.

With Team Lakay experiencing mixed results in their last assignments, a big win from Adiwang would have been a major confidence boost for the renowned mixed martial arts (MMA) stable.

As it stands, ONE Championship's first card for 2023 still features a stacked lineup of kickboxing, Muay Thai, submission grappling, MMA, and an exhibition under hybrid rules.

Headlining the card will be Superbon Singha Mawynn defending the ONE featherweight kickboxing world championship against Chingiz Allasov, while Ilias Ennahachi puts the ONE flyweight kickboxing title on the line against Superlek Kiatmoo9 in a rematch.

The ONE flyweight submission grappling championship will also be up for grabs as champion Mikey Musumeci meets challenger Sayan Khertek.

In addition, Stamp Fairtex is slated to take on Anissa Meksen in a hybrid MMA-Muay Thai showdown.

Also expected to see action are Victoria Lee, Garry Tonon and Aung La N Sang