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Eko Roni proves himself with first-round win, Abbasov retains World Champion title
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Indonesian fighter Eko Roni Saputra (right) manages to corner his opponent, Ramon Gonzales of the Philippines, at Friday's ONE:INSIDE THE MATRIX II, which was aired from Singapore. Eko won the fight in less than five minutes. (JP/Courtesy of ONE Championship)
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span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Indonesian wrestler-turned-MMA fighter Eko Roni Saputra has once again authored an impressive finish at Friday’s ONE: INSIDE THE MATRIX II’s bout, subduing three-time Filipino Kyokushin Karate champion Ramon “The Bicolano” Gonzales by rear-naked choke near the end of the first round.
Eko shot in for the double-leg almost immediately after the bout began, using his chain wrestling to bring matters down to the canvas, where he held the advantage. The former Indonesian national athlete proved unstoppable on the ground, advancing his position until he took Gonzales’ back and sunk in the choke. Gonzales had no choice but to tap.
However, Eko’s victory was not followed by his female compatriot, two-time Wushu World Championship medalist Priscilla Hertati Lumban Gaol, who failed to nail her match against second-ranked atomweight fighter Meng Bo of China.
After the opening bell, Meng immediately backed Lumban Gaol up against the circle wall, looking to push the pace and set up the finish. After carefully gauging distance, Meng threw a classic jab-straight combination, connecting with her powerful right hand down the middle, which effectively ended the bout just past the 1-minute mark and handed victory to her.
In the main event, reigning ONE Welterweight World Champion Kiamrian “Brazen” Abbasov of Kyrgyzstan delivered a sensational comeback with a technical knockout victory over previously-unbeaten James Nakashima of the United States.
Nakashima connected with a massive punch that disfigured Abbasov’s nose in the first round, and the reigning World Champion was forced to overcome adversity the rest of the way. In the second round, Nakashima began targeting the nose and attempted the occasional takedown, which was fended off well by Abbasov. In the third round, Nakashima finally landed a successful takedown after multiple tries and began dominating from top position.
At this point, Nakashima appeared to be in full control of the action and cruising to victory. The tables were turned in the fourth round, however, when Abbasov staggered Nakashima with a knee as the challenger was attempting another double-leg. With Nakashima rocked, “Brazen” closed the show behind a flurry of strikes that forced the referee to halt the contest.
