4 Explosive Highlights From ONE: PURSUIT OF GREATNESS

Once again, the fans blew the roof off the Thuwunna Indoor Stadium as their national hero Aung La N Sang (24-10, 1 NC) capped a thrilling event at ONE: PURSUIT OF GREATNESS in Yangon, Myanmar.

However, “The Burmese Python” was not the only attraction. 

From top-to-bottom, the card was filled with back-and-forth battles, amazing knockouts, and stunning submissions, and the crowd responded to the efforts of every athlete who entered the cage. 

With the ONE Middleweight World Championship on the line, local favorites trying to step up the ladder, and a wealth of talent from every corner of the globe, it is no surprise every match-up delivered on the night.

Here are the four of the most explosive highlights from another unforgettable night of martial arts action.

Aung La N Sang’s Emphatic Title Defense

The two-division ONE World Champion’s walkout alone would be enough to top a list of highlights, with every fan inside the arena singing along to “The Burmese Python’s” entrance song as their hero marched to the cage. 

It could only be bettered by an impeccable performance from the nation’s sporting icon, as he put his ONE Middleweight World Title on the line against Mohammad “O Lutador” Karaki (9-1) in front of his compatriots.

He delivered an impeccable performance, making a high-level challenger look ordinary thanks to his pinpoint, powerful striking. Karaki first hit the canvas thanks to a pair of uppercuts, but he somehow survived the follow-up offense on the ground.

However, he was not safe for long. “O Lutador” threw back, but the Hard Knocks 365 representative would not let up the pressure. The Myanmar luminary walked him down, hurting the Lebanese athlete with a hook to the body, before a right hand sent him to the mat once again.

Referee Olivier Coste stepped in to signal the end of the match to the elation of the Yangon faithful, who witnessed their hero make another successful defense of his belt.

Han Makes ONE Super Series History

Thailand-based Chinese athlete Han Zi Hao (59-15) kept up his hectic schedule, returning to ONE Super Series for the third time since his promotional debut in July.

He followed his win against Stergos Mikkios last month by welcoming Ryan “The Filipino Assassin” Jakiri (9-4) to The Home Of Martial Arts.

The six-time Philippine national Muay Thai champion looked sharp with his boxing combinations as the bout started, causing damage above Han’s left eye. But it did not take long for the Top King Muay Thai World Champion to strike back.

As “The Filipino Assassin” caught a kick and tried to land a left hook, Han countered with an unstoppable right cross, which ended Jakiri’s debut after just 99 seconds – making him the first bantamweight to score a knockout in ONE Super Series.

“Sapo” Folds Abe In Record Time

The most experienced mixed martial artist on the ONE roster, Luis “Sapo” Santos (65-11-1-1), has 78 professional bouts to his credit spanning an 18-year career, and this may have been his most impressive performance yet.

Santos was eager to prove he still belongs among the welterweight elite, and promotional newcomer Daichi Abe (6-3) felt it in the first kick. The Japanese man winced when he absorbed a left body kick, which alerted “Sapo’s” finishing instincts.

The Brazilian went after the body again and again, with the final thudding shin to the liver folding Abe in half against the cage. It took a total of 33 seconds.

Santos showed he is here to stay by hitting the fastest knockout in ONE welterweight history.

Landmark Win For Afghanistan’s Jasoor

Ahmad “Lycan” Qais Jasoor (5-1) became the first Afghan competitor to pick up a win in the world’s largest martial arts organization by knocking out “Tank” Ma Xu Dong (5-3) in the second round of their bantamweight clash.

Jasoor had the upper hand from the early exchanges, evading Ma’s swooping overhand rights, and landing with the cleaner, crisper shots as he switched stances to keep his adversary guessing.

When the second round began, “Lycan” continued to turn the screw and land with his hands. A straight left from the southpaw stance sent “Tank” reeling, and the Afghan pressed ahead with punches to pick up the stoppage.

It was a huge win for Jasoor, who made mixed martial arts history for Afghanistan.