ONE Fight Night 1: Moraes vs. Johnson II, a resounding success in more ways than one.
On Aug. 27 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, Demetrious Johnson finally avenged his loss to Adriano Moraes. Two show-stopping fights determined which athletes will compete in the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Grand Prix championship final.
Even more action unfolded during the event, prompting ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong to distribute five US$50,000 performance bonuses, recognizing the outstanding performances of ONE Championship’s athletes.
The first bonus went to first-ranked flyweight Muay Thai contender Superlek Kiatmoo9 for his stellar conduct versus Walter Goncalves. “The Kicking Machine” knocked out the fifth-ranked contender “Iron Hands” in 95 seconds flat with an elbow, earning him a coveted spot in the tournament final and a sizable bonus for his victory.
Seventeen-time BJJ world-champion Marcus Almeida spent the shortest amount of time in the Circle at 64 sec. “Buchecha” used a heel hook to submit former ONE Interim Heavyweight World Title challenger Kirill Grishenko, giving him his fourth perfect performance and a bonus for his efforts.
Third-ranked flyweight-contender Panpayak Jitmuangnon came in at the eleventh hour as an alternate in the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Grand Prix semifinals and needed only 10 sec. into the second round to finish fourth-ranked-flyweight Muay Thai-contender Savvas Michael. “The Angel Warrior” dropped “The Baby Face Killer” with a highlight-worthy head kick, which gave him a place in the final against Superlek and a $50,000 bonus.
Nong-O Gaiyanghadao had one of his fastest performances within the Circle to date, scoring a TKO victory versus fifth-ranked bantamweight-contender Liam Harrison only 2:10.00 into round one. He successfully defended his ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Championship for the sixth time against “Hitman”, and he thoroughly deserved the performance bonus for the win.
Finally, MMA GOAT Demetrious Johnson underwent the most challenging battle that night, as he rematched ONE Flyweight world-champion Adriano Moraes in a quest for the crown. “Mighty Mouse” was triumphant in his pursuit, as he delivered a knockout via knee to “Mikinho”. This victory gave the former first-ranked contender the long-desired ONE Flyweight World Championship and a performance bonus to celebrate with.
Download the ONE Super App to catch all the action at ONE 161: Petchmorakot vs. Tawanchai on Sept. 29 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
This article was published in collaboration with ONE Championship.
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