Ben Woolliss has overcome eleven years of Crohn's disease battles to make a stunning ONE Championship debut. The Grimsby kickboxer stepped in on just nine days' notice to face Brazilian star John Lineker, stopping him in under two minutes with devastating leg kicks. The victory announced Woolliss as a serious contender in the bantamweight division.

Woolliss endured undiagnosed symptoms for five years while competing at elite level, often unable to rest his hands on his inflamed stomach between rounds. At his worst, training sessions lasted just 15 seconds before collapsing from severe anemia and fatigue caused by internal bleeding. The autoimmune condition left him barely able to stand some days, let alone train as a professional fighter.

Despite doctors' warnings and family concerns, Woolliss never considered quitting kickboxing. His mindset focused on small daily victories - standing once meant standing twice the next day. This mental resilience now drives his approach to major fights.

Woolliss faces former world champion Petchtanong Petchfergus next, a 17-time champion with over 400 career bouts. The British striker has earned his shot at the biggest names in the sport through relentless determination and proven finishing ability.