colin
ONE: NEXTGEN II took middle stage within the fight sports activities world this previous Friday, 12 November, and the occasion featured six extraordinary matchups. And the athletes who stepped into the Circle made certain to depart their marks with statement-making performances.
There have been explosive debuts that helped shake up the varied Muay Thai, kickboxing, and blended martial arts divisions, and some new contenders proved that they’re able to compete with the elite.
For the victors, it’s going to definitely be a November to recollect, as they inch themselves nearer to their World Title desires.
After the ultimate blow echoed all through the Singapore Indoor Stadium, we mirrored on the three largest takeaways from the present.
#1 We Want Saemapetch Vs. Rittewada II
The primary occasion collision between top-ranked bantamweight Muay Thai contender Saemapetch Fairtex and debuting famous person Rittewada Petchyindee Academy delivered nonstop motion and loads of drama.
In the long run, it was Rittewada who earned a second-round TKO.
Saemapetch kicked off the match strongly and dropped Rittewada within the first spherical. Though his Thai counterpart bought again to his toes, it appeared as if he was circling for an early end. The Petchyindee Academy standout survived the primary body, although, after which started to seek out success within the second.
The Fairtex product was nonetheless connecting together with his arsenal of strikes, however Rittewada labored his razor-sharp elbows into the competition and located a house for them on his compatriot’s head. A piercing elbow finally pressured the Circle-side physician to intervene and name a cease to the motion, giving the promotional newcomer the TKO victory.
Each athletes appeared stable all through the competition. Saemapetch justified his place because the #1-ranked contender with a robust show early, whereas Rittewada was assertive sufficient within the second to point out he belongs on the high of the division, too. The primary occasion definitely delivered, however the need for extra rounds between these two hangs heavy over the consequence.
An eventual rematch appears inevitable.
#2 Tang Earned His Place Amongst The Featherweight Elite
Tang Kai went into ONE: NEXTGEN II supremely assured and appeared to knock out “The Massive Coronary heart” Yoon Chang Min in an effort to cement his standing within the featherweight blended martial arts division. And that’s exactly what he did.
The Chinese language phenom dropped his South Korean rival with a crisp left hook and adopted up with livid ground-and-pound to get the first-round TKO stoppage win. The spectacular displaying moved his profession document to 13-2 (5-0 in ONE), put him on an eight-fight profitable streak, and elevated his ending charge as much as 85 %.
Earlier than this co-main occasion showdown, the Chinese language knockout artist was already requesting to have a match in opposition to a top-five contender. Following his swift victory over the ever-tough Yoon, he has absolutely earned that proper.
With 11 profession knockout wins, an ideal document on the worldwide stage, and a dominant efficiency at ONE: NEXTGEN II, Tang deserves the chance to check himself in opposition to the highest challengers within the featherweight division.
#3 The Kickboxing GP Alternates Who May Win It All
With the ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Grand Prix in full swing, two alternate bouts came about at ONE: NEXTGEN II to determine the fighters who would step into the event ought to they be wanted. Each bouts offered unimaginable performances, with one victor standing out with a highlight-reel knockout.
Within the ultimate 20 seconds of the opening spherical of their bout, Smokin’ Jo Nattawut plastered Yurik “Mee Khao Jomhot” Davtyan with an overhand proper for the ages. The Armenian-Russian hit the canvas with stiffened legs and couldn’t return to his toes.
Dovydas “Rimkenzo” Rimkus was spectacular in a distinct method to show his worthiness for inclusion ought to his identify be referred to as. The Lithuanian needed to thwart a hard-charging “Bamboo Sword” Zhang Chunyu in a carefully contested three-round battle to take action.
Nattawut might have taken the lead place together with his dazzling KO, however Rimkus’ showcase over a extra skilled foe proved he could be prepared for the stacked discipline that continues to be within the ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Grand Prix. For now, although, they may wait for his or her telephones to ring.
Learn extra: Eersel Vs. Murtazaev, Stamp Vs. Phogat Prime ONE: WINTER WARRIORS
