David Bangguigui has been competing as a pro since 2015 without ever making any headlines. He lost his debut but the Filipino strawweight looks like a serious prospect, if the description can ever be used about a fighter with nearly a decade of competitive experience.
He was matched with BJJ black belt Marcus Paulo Amaral at ONE Friday Fights 14. The Brazilian is highly experienced and came into the contest as a strong favourite.
Bangguigui was fighting for the first time since 2019. On paper it looked a very difficult fight for the Filipino who had just spent three years on the sidelines but he controlled the action from start to finish.
Bangguigui scored his first takedown of the fight by landing a right and then ducked down, driving Amaral to the canvass where he would remain for several minutes. The Brazilian did manage to get back to his feet only to be picked up and slammed unceremoniously back to the canvass.
The Filipino hadn’t done much damage but was clearly ahead at the end of the opening round. He rocked Amaral with an elbow at the start of the second but soon returned to the original strategy of driving the Brazilian into the ropes before picking him up and slamming him down.
Winning strategy
The Brazilian was able to work his way back up again and they briefly traded punches and kicks before Bangguigui dropped for the inevitable takedown. It was proving a winning strategy for the Filipino with his opponent unable to stuff the takedowns or offer any threat from his back.
Amaral had it all to do in the final round and he landed some jabs and body kicks. But Bangguigui secured a single leg takedown with ease and looked for a submission from half guard.
He moved into side control and looked to mount but Amaral was able to establish his guard. The Brazilian landed an upkick and was able to explode back up to his feet.
But time was not on Amaral’s side and he was taken down again. Bangguigui finished the round in top position to give the judges an easy job, with all three of them scoring the fight for the Filipino.
With the win Bangguigui moves up to 9-1 and extends his winning streak to nine, potentially establishing himself as a contender in ONE Championship’s strawweight division in the process. Amaral drops to 16-4 and sees his three fight winning streak snapped.
Best of the rest
The rest of the fights on the card were all Muay Thai bouts. In the main event Gingsanglek Tor Laksong knocked out Chorfah Tor Sangtiennoi with a head kick at the start of the second round.
ONE Friday Fights 14, Bangkok, April 28th
Gingsanglek Tor Laksong def. Chorfah Tor.Sangtiennoi via KO (Head kick) at 0:13 of R2
Khunsueklek Boomdeksean def. Koko Sor Sommai via Decision (Unanimous)
Kongchai Chanaidonmuang def. Xavier Gonzalez via Decision (Majority)
Saenphon Sor Sommai def. Yodkompatak Sinbimuaythai via Decision (Unanimous)
NumSurin Chor Ketweena def. Yodsila Chor Hapayak via Decision (Unanimous)
Chatpichit Sor Toipadriew def. Sakaengam Jitmuangnon via Decision (Unanimous)
Saeksan Or Kwanmuang def. Sean Clancy via TKO (Doctor stoppage) at 2:22 of R2
Fariya Aminipour def. Ferrari Fairtex via Decision (Unanimous)
Chalam Parunchai def. Mohammad Sadeghi via Decision (Majority)
Lisa Brierley def. Francisca Vera via Decision (Unanimous)
MMA: Dave Bangguigui def. Marcus Paulo Amaral via Decision (Unanimous)
Jalill Barnes def. Doraemon Kaenorasing via Decision (Unanimous)
