ONE X: Nong-O defends Muay Thai title, Akimoto new bantam kickboxing champ
Bantamweight Muay Thai champion Nong-O Gaiyanghadao. ONE CHAMPIONSHIP
SINGAPORE–Thai star Nong-O Gaiyanghadao defended his ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world title after a phenomenal knockout victory over Felipe Lobo in the ONE X card on Saturday at Singapore Indoor Stadium here.
In his fifth title defense, Nong-O sent his Brazilian challenger straight to the mat 2:15 in the third round with a perfectly timed right uppercut that he said was exactly part of his fight plan.
Article continues after this advertisementWhat. A. KNOCKOUT 💪
Nong-O Gaiyanghadao 🇹🇭 sends Felipe Lobo to the shadow realm with a wicked uppercut! #WeAreONE #ONEChampionship#ONEX | PPV: 8PM SGT/8AM ET | Order PPV: https://t.co/eBUfsOlZOd pic.twitter.com/73PQSeZfZ3
— ONE Championship (@ONEChampionship) March 26, 2022
The bantamweight kickboxing division, meanwhile, crowned a new championship after Japan’s Hiroki Akimoto outlasted Capitan Petchyindee of Thailand in a five-round barnburner for the unanimous decision win.
For his relentless performance, Akimoto also received a $50,000 performance bonus from ONE chief Chatri Sityodtong.
Article continues after this advertisement“They said [in the past] my match wasn’t exciting enough but this is a result of my hardwork,” said Akimoto through a translator.
😤 @HirokiAkimoto16 going BEAST MODE in the fifth and final round! #WeAreONE #ONEChampionship#ONEX | PPV: 8PM SGT/8AM ET | Order PPV: https://t.co/eBUfsODAFL pic.twitter.com/vu9GxMPU3x
— ONE Championship (@ONEChampionship) March 26, 2022
In the featherweight match that opened part two of the 20-fight event, Tang Kai also sent the packed stadium to its feet with a devastating KO of South Korean bet Kim Jae Woong, 2:07 into the fight.
Tang, who let it all out in an expletive-laden post-match interview, also took home the performance bonus for his showing.
Jihin Radzuan also joined the night’s victors, beating Japan’s Itsuki Hirata via a split decision.
In the same main card, Ham Seo Hee repeated over Filipino fighter Denice Zamboanga, but this time winning by a convincing unanimous decision.
