Ben Tynan vs Kirill Grishenko: Unbeaten Canadian Faces Toughest Challenge Yet at ONE Fight Night 34
- Mark Myword
- Jun 11
- 5 min read

Ben Tynan has quickly made a name for himself in the world of heavyweight MMA, showing off his skill and personality in his first two bouts for ONE Championship. Tynan’s unbeaten run and standout performances—including a win over Kang Ji Won and a first-round knockout against Duke Didier—have turned him into a fan favorite at the famous Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok. With each victory, excitement about his future in MMA continues to grow.
Now, “Vanilla Thunder” faces his toughest test yet at ONE Fight Night 34: Eersel vs. Jarvis. Tynan will go up against Kirill Grishenko, a former ONE World Title challenger known for fighting the best in the division and being the only man to defeat current heavyweight champion Oumar Kane. Grishenko brings a strong two-fight winning streak and years of high-level experience into the ring.
The stage is set for a high-stakes matchup in Bangkok. Fans are eager to see if Tynan’s momentum can continue or if Grishenko’s experience will hand the Canadian his first loss in ONE Championship. To learn more about the fight and see the full story, check the details about how Ben Tynan faces biggest test yet in Kirill Grishenko at ONE Fight Night 34.
Ben Tynan’s Rise in ONE Championship
Ben Tynan has made a strong impression in the ONE Championship heavyweight division. His unbeaten record, impressive finishes, and wrestling background have turned him into a true contender.
Promotional Debut and Early Victories
Ben Tynan, also known as "Vanilla Thunder," entered ONE Championship with a perfect record and high expectations. He made his promotional debut against Kang Ji Won at ONE Fight Night 16 in November 2023. Tynan submitted the South Korean fighter in the third round, showcasing his versatile skill set and composure under pressure.
After his debut, Tynan faced Duke Didier at ONE Fight Night 21 in April 2024. He made quick work of Didier, stopping him with a TKO in the first round. Tynan’s ability to finish fights has been a highlight of his career so far. His 100 percent finishing rate has drawn attention from fans and media alike.
These early victories positioned Tynan as an immediate threat in the heavyweight division. His fast rise in ONE Championship has led to matchups with more experienced opponents and increased excitement around his future bouts, including his next big test at ONE Fight Night 34.
Fighting Style and Athletic Background
Tynan’s fighting style is built around his strong wrestling base. He is a Canadian Junior Freestyle National Champion and competed at a high level in amateur wrestling. Tynan qualified for the NCAA Division I National Championships after competing at North Dakota State University.
His wrestling allows him to control opponents and set up a mix of ground-and-pound and submissions. In addition to wrestling, Tynan uses Brazilian jiu-jitsu and submission grappling to finish fights, as seen by his submission win over Kang Ji Won. His striking continues to improve, making him a more complete mixed martial artist.
With a blend of wrestling, jiu-jitsu, and striking, Tynan is a dangerous and unpredictable presence in every fight. He often secures takedowns early, then controls the match on the ground before working for a finish.
Journey Through the Ranks
Before turning professional, Tynan built a notable amateur record and reputation for his relentless work ethic. His success at the amateur level set the stage for his jump into the professional ranks, where he quickly established himself as a dominant heavyweight contender.
Tynan began his professional MMA career in LFA, gaining experience and victories that prepared him for the international spotlight. After joining ONE Championship, his undefeated streak and 100 percent finish rate separated him from other rising prospects. The victories over Kang Ji Won and Duke Didier proved his readiness for higher competition.
Now facing former title challenger Kirill Grishenko, Tynan’s journey from amateur wrestling gyms to the main stage of ONE Championship is marked by rapid progress and a reputation as a top heavyweight prospect. His career path displays both persistent growth and the ability to meet tougher challenges as he ascends the division.
The Challenge: Kirill Grishenko’s Experience and Streak
Kirill Grishenko stands out in the ONE Championship heavyweight MMA division because of his top-level skills and his strong record against the toughest opponents. His recent fights show both his talent and his ability to win against some of the best fighters in the world.
Key Fights and Notable Wins
Grishenko has built his reputation on big wins that matter. One of his most impressive performances came when he faced “Reug Reug” Oumar Kane. Grishenko became the only man to defeat the current heavyweight world champion, breaking Kane’s undefeated record after a two-round battle that Kane could not finish.
In July 2024, Grishenko controlled the action against Kang Ji Won at ONE Fight Night 23, taking a clear decision win. He followed that up by dominating Mauro Cerilli at ONE 171 in February, showing both his striking and wrestling skills. These back-to-back wins put Grishenko on a two-fight winning streak heading into the bout with Tynan.
The table below highlights his recent key wins:
Date | Opponent | Event | Result |
Feb 2024 | Mauro Cerilli | ONE 171 | Win |
Jul 2024 | Kang Ji Won | ONE Fight Night 23 | Win |
Previous years | “Reug Reug” Kane | Interim Contender | Win |
Opponents and Championship Experience
Grishenko’s experience isn’t just about winning; it’s about who he’s faced in the cage. He has gone up against fighters like Mauro Cerilli, Marcus Almeida, Amir Aliakbari, and two-weight champion Anatoly Malykhin, testing himself at the highest level. His bout with Malykhin was for the interim heavyweight MMA gold in 2022.
Competing for a title shot and standing his ground against world-class opponents has sharpened Grishenko’s skills. Facing both strikers and top-level grapplers, he has consistently shown a mix of wrestling, toughness, and smart game plans.
His deep experience in title fights and his recent form in the heavyweight division make him a dangerous opponent for anyone, especially a rising star like Ben Tynan. For more details, see Kirill Grishenko’s MMA background and stats.
ONE Fight Night 34: High-Stakes Heavyweight Clash
Ben Tynan and Kirill Grishenko meet in a key showdown that could shake up the ONE Championship heavyweight MMA division. Both men are riding impressive win streaks and have experience against top-level opposition.
Event Details and Significance
ONE Fight Night 34: Eersel vs. Jarvis takes place at the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on Friday, August 1, 2025. The event is headlined by a world title bout but features this heavyweight clash as a major attraction on the card. Fans in the United States can watch live on Prime Video, with other broadcasts available worldwide.
The venue, Lumpinee Boxing Stadium, is well-known for hosting elite Muay Thai and MMA events. Tynan, still undefeated in the promotion, seeks to continue his rise after stopping Kang Ji Won and Duke Didier in his earlier ONE Championship bouts. Grishenko, a past title challenger, brings experience and has previously defeated notable names such as “Reug Reug” Oumar Kane.
Both fighters come in with momentum, making this fight a must-watch for fans of heavyweight MMA.
Potential Implications for the Heavyweight Division
This matchup carries major implications for the ONE Championship heavyweight MMA division. The winner may be positioned as a leading contender for a future title shot, given both fighters’ recent records. A victory for Tynan would keep his undefeated streak alive and possibly set up a clash with top-ranked heavyweights.
If Grishenko wins, his experience and prior win over the reigning champion could put him back at the top of the contender list. The bout’s outcome could help shape the division’s hierarchy, with the result impacting who gets the next opportunity at the ONE Heavyweight MMA gold. The stakes are high, and the outcome will be closely watched by both fans and top fighters in the division.
For full event details, visit the official ONE Fight Night 34 event page.