MMA: ONE FC: War of Nations to feature Lim versus Osman 2

On April 9, 2005, the most important fight in UFC's history happened inside The Octagon. Forrest Grifin and Stephan Bonnar, both unknowns outside of hardcore mixed martial arts (MMA) fandom, gave the fight of their lives. For three rounds they threw an array of punches, kicks, and takedowns with neither man wanting to give the other any room to breathe.

It was UFC's first fight card that aired live on television and because of the instant classic displayed by the two relative newbies, the UFC turned into the global powerhouse it is now.

Last October 18, 2013, the same was felt in Singapore.

It is rare for two female fighters to steal the show on a night when two of the world's best mixed martial artists were headlining the card, but that is exactly what Sherilyn Lim and Ann Osman did. Despite pound-for-pound kings Shinya Aoki and Bibiano Fernandes competing on the same card, the night belonged to Lim and Osman.

Both fighters exchanged periods of dominance and brawled for three rounds, with 12,000 fans in the Singapore Indoor Stadium erupting in cheers at the conclusion of their contest. Osman scored takedowns at will but she wasn't able to do damage on the ground. Lim on other hand dominated the striking game. At the end of the match, with the entire crowd on their feet, Lim was awarded a split decision victory. With intense controversy on both sides of the borders, a rematch was inevitable.

The bout captured the hearts and minds of fans across the world and reinforced the mindset that female MMA fighters are more than capable of putting on world-class matches and competing alongside their male counterparts.  Sportswomen have constantly faced an uphill battle to gain equal standing in every sport. They have struggled to find a platform to showcase their craft until recent years.  The bout between Osman and Lim exceeded expectations and has resulted in the emerging popularity of the sport among females.

This early, 2014 is looking to be the watershed year for women's MMA (WMMA). Osman and Lim will meet in the most anticipated rematch of the year in 2014 at ONE FC's first event of the year, ONE FC: WAR OF NATIONS.

This time it will be Osman who will get the advantage of having the crowd on her side as the event will be held in Stadium Negara in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Several other female bouts are expected to feature in ONE FC's 2014 calendar, including the debut of Philippines' female boxer Jujeath Nagaowa. The fierce Filipina surely won't be the last female fighter to join ONE FC, as the fight between Osman and Lim, like the fight between Griffin and Bonnar, undoubtedly convinced more female fighters to try out the sport of MMA. - AMD, GMA News