By:  | November 11, 2023 7:16 am

Coopar Royal kicked off the fight card at ONE Friday Nights 40 last night. He submitted Ely Fernandez in the opening round at Lumpinee Stadium.

The two men traded low kicks in the early exchanges which prompted the Australian southpaw to switch stance. As Fernandez closed the distance he landed an short, sharp elbow and followed up with some knees from the clinch.

Fernandez was eating knees and gave up his back in a standing position. Royal locked both arms around the Filipino’s neck without needing to complete the procedure of taking his back.

Quick tap

The choke already looked tight when Royal finally did use his legs to secure Fernandez’ body. The tap was almost instantaneous and came at the 1:38 mark.

With the win Royal improves to 4-0. The Australian flyweight made his pro debut a year ago and has made a superb start, he looks to be a real prospect.

Fernandez drops to 6-3. The recent winning streak that Filipinos have enjoyed on these Friday night cards at Lumpinee Stadium is snapped as he slips to the third loss of his career.

Best of the rest

In the other MMA fight on the card Ben Royle (7-2) was returning to fight for ONE Championship for the first time in three years. The Englishman claimed a decision win over Russia’s Ivan Parshikov (11-4-0-1) in their bantamweight bout.

ONE Friday Fights 46, Bangkok, November 11th
Jaosuayai Sor.Dechapan def. Paidang Kiatsongrit via KO (Left hook) at 2:21 of R2
Aliff Sor.Dechapan def. Peyman Zolfaghari via KO (Three knockdowns) at 1:44 of R1
Petchpailin Sor Jor Tongprajin def. Bhumjaithai MorTor1 via Decision (Unanimous)
Khunsuk Sor.Dechapan def. Detchphupa ChotBangsaen via KO (Punches to the body) at 1:39 of R2
Merhdad Khanzadeh def. Yangdam Sor.Tor.Hiewbangsaen via Decision (Unanimous)
Nongam Fairtex def. Phetchumpae Highland Gym via Decision (Unanimous)
Ricardo Bravo def. Oliver Hansen via KO (Three knockdowns) at 2:59 of R3
Xavier Gonzalez def. Omar El Halabi via Decision (Unanimous)
Rhuam Felipe Morais Caldas def. Samingdam Looksuan via Decision (Split)
Parham Gheiratimarkeye def. Samingnum M Ekachart via KO (Right elbow) at 2:39 of R2
MMA: Ben Royle def. Ivan Parshikov via Decision (Unanimous)
MMA: Coopar Royal def. Ely Malinis Fernandez via Submission (Rear-naked choke) at 1:38 of R1