ONE Fight Night 13: Allazov vs. Grigorian went down this weekend with an exceptional array of talent on display at the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bongkok, Thailand. With some of the biggest names in MMA featuring it was a night to remember – here are five things we learned from another explosive event.
1. Allazov takes revenge – proves he is number one
Chingiz Allazov remains the king of the featherweight kickboxing division after a headline win over Marat Grigorian. This was the third time these elite combatants have stepped inside a ring together – their initial bout a decade ago was a no-contest, with Grigorian picking up the rematch. This time out the champion would not be denied as he put on a striking clinic to retain his gold, and further cement his reputation as the pound-for-pound best kickboxer on the planet.
2. What can we do about Mikey Musumeci?
Five fights in ONE, five wins, and there is no sign of the Mikey Musumeci train slowing down. The latest man to train and derail the American’s momentum was current strawweight MMA champ Jarred Brooks, but like so many before him was not able to prise the title from Darth Rigatoni’s hands. One of the world’s greatest Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners, Musumeci was a constant threat throughout the contest, attacking from a closed guard, and constantly looking to change the angles and focus of his attacks. Ultimately Brooks was forced to tap 7:30 into the contest thanks to a triangle armbar and Musumeci’s dominance of the flyweight submission grappling division continues on.
3. Lineker back with a bang
The last 12 months have not been easy for John Lineker. He lost his ONE bantamweight world title, and his issues on the scale have been well documented. One thing never in doubt has been his punching power – and that was very much on display on Friday night. Despite missing weight again, and having to compete at a catchweight of 151lbs, Lineker’s ‘Hands of Stone’ were in full evidence as he stopped Kim Jae Woong in thrilling fashion. A huge overhand left and subsequent follow up shots were enough to have this one stopped with just a few seconds of the final round remaining. Lineker will hope this puts him back on course for a shot at bantamweight champ Fabricio Andrade – but he has to win his battles with the scales first.
4. Another big challenger from Africa?
Take a bow Oumar Kane. Going into his bout with Marcus Almeida it was easy to see how he would be considered an underdog. Almeida is a 17-time Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion, and was previously unbeaten in MMA, but these heavyweights pulled out a classic – and Kane was able to provide the upset finish. The fight was a mix of heavy stand-up and a battle on the ground, but it was on the floor Senegalese sensation Kane was able to really impress. In the first round he was able to use his wrestling ability to stay out of harm’s way, and land some good strikes. He was also able to defend well even when they went to ground on Almeida’s terms in the second round. Ultimately Kane was well worth his unanimous-decision win, and a $50k performance bonus as he put the rest of the division on notice.
5. Youngsters impress on a big night
ONE is blessed with some of the very best young talent in global combat sport and that was highlighted once more in Bangkok. Ty Ruotolo earned himself a world title shot at just 20-years-of-age, as he defeated the current second-ranked lightweight MMA contender Dagi Arslanaliev. In this submission grappling contest at 180lbs, Ruotolo always looked in command, targeting the legs early on before finishing things up with a smooth rear naked choke, earning a shot at the inaugural ONE Welterweight Submission Grappling World Title next time out.
Also impressive was 19-year old Anna “Supergirl” Jaroonsak. She picked up a unanimous decision over Lara “Pizza Power” Fernandez in a 118lbs catchweight kickboxing bout, and despite her tender years now boasts a record of 40-6-1 with big things to come.
