The 2020 Tokyo Olympics is in full swing. Athletes from all over the world gather to show their talents and hope to go home with medals.
In the four-year competition, sports include traditional martial arts such as boxing, judo, karate, taekwondo and wrestling.
After the amateur competition is over, it is normal for boxers to transition to professional careers, so it is not surprising to see some athletes on this list one day in a mixed martial arts (MMA) cage.
Given the breadth of fighting disciplines, there is no better home for these people than the ONE Championship. The ONE Championship is an Asian organization that has been promoting other martial arts, such as Muay Thai, in addition to its flagship sport MMA since 2018. , Taekwondo and submission fighting.
Now, let’s take a look at some of the names that performed best in the Olympics.
Rasa Bekauri of Georgia
Photo: Getty Images | Harry Howe
Lasha Bekauri (21), Georgia, Judo
Lasha Bekauri comes from the MMA hotbed in Akhmeta, Georgia, with a young and rock-solid foundation.
From Ronda Rousey to Yoshihiro Akiyama, there is a long list of successful MMA fighters from a judo background.
With the increased strength of the eight limbs, who can say that Becauri-now a gold medalist-cannot integrate his Olympic success into his mixed martial arts career?
Abeyu
Photo: Getty Images | Harry Howe
Uta Abe (21) and Hifumi Abe (23), Japan, Judo
Fans of the ONE Championship, Uta and Hifumi Abe, both won gold medals at the 2020 Olympics, which is a novel feat for the brothers and sisters participating in the same Olympics.
Similar to the reasoning used by Bakauri, the Abe brothers and sisters claim to have a hodgepodge of judo champions, medals and trophies.
In addition, they have the foundation needed to start an MMA career. The question is, how far can they go?
Anastasia Zolotic
Photo: Getty Images | Maya Hiti
Anastasija Zolotic (18), USA, Taekwondo
At only 18 years old, Anastasija Zolotic became the first American woman to bring home a gold medal in Taekwondo, and her name has been firmly engraved on the record book.
If the Floridian is to pursue a career in mixed martial arts, she will gain a huge lead in the combat department.
In the Olympics, she demonstrated a comprehensive grasp of long-range shots in both offensive and defensive aspects.
Zolotic has an unusually large influence and possesses all the elements to become a nightmare for an opponent in the combat department.
Richard Torres
Photo: Getty Images | Luis Robayo-Swimming Pool
Richard Torres Jr. (21), United States, boxing
Richard Torres Jr. (Richard Torres Jr.) has the hand speed and power that can be successful in almost any martial arts based on hitting.
At the age of 21, for the third generation of Mexican Americans, the sky is unlimited. Of course, with someone like Arjan Bhullar holding the ONE title, Torres may need to spend a lot of time in the wrestling room.
However, it seems that it is time to develop his ground game.
Steve Dacosta (24), France, Karate
With the legalization of MMA in France, the 2018 gold medalist Steve Dacosta became a candidate for the ONE Championship, which is of great significance in the world.
As a master of counterattack and control, Da Costa has brought amazing repertoires that have been educated, with the potential for a seamless transition to MMA.
With his ability to get in and out of his pocket, it is difficult to find someone with comparable skills like him.
Panipak Wongpattanakit (R) from Thailand
Photo: Getty Images | High-quality motion graphics
Panipak Wongpattanakit (23), Thailand, Taekwondo
Thailand’s Panipak Wongpattanakit comes from a country known for cultivating talented forwards, with a high level of speed, advanced technology and gold medals.
The 23-year-old can enter the ONE championship atomic weight group. With the right coach and team around her, she can rule as a dangerous forward for a long time.
Hijacking is Wongpattanik’s ability to keep fighting in her field. Similar to the prospect of Zolotic’s transition to MMA, this move requires a lot of time on wrestling mats and gi.
Fortunately, time is her ally.
Photo: Getty Images | Simon Hoffman
(25), India, wrestling
As the cousin of ONE champion atomic weight contender Ritu Phogat, Vinesh was able to make the list without any effort.
The Phogat family is well-known in India and other regions for its reputation in wrestling.
In 2016, the acclaimed Bollywood movie “Dangal” was released, telling the story and achievements of the Phogat family in this sport.
Vinesh is the latest person to be on the big stage of the 2020 Japan Olympics. With the blueprint of Evolve MMA Academy’s top MMA training partner and her cousin Ritu, the 25-year-old girl is ready to transition into the cage.
