Kiamrian Abbasov successfully defended his welterweight title for the first time with a stunning TKO win against James Nakashima at ONE: ‘Inside the Matrix’ Part II.
It was an entertaining affair, and Nakashima certainly provided a stern test for the champion. The American, who came into the fight with an undefeated 12-0 record, threw a lovely left hand that landed right on the bridge of Abbasov’s nose in the first round.
Both fighters landed good shots in the second. Abbasov found joy with the uppercut, while Nakashima utilized the jab to leave the Russian’s nose pouring blood.
Big takedown
The challenger scored a big takedown in the third and showed good top pressure for much of the round. But it was the fourth stanza that proved decisive.
With Nakashima crouched and ready to shoot, Abbasov threw a kick and connected with his knee to the side of his opponent’s head. Nakashima was rocked. Abbasov followed up with some hammer fists and then a knee as Nakashima held his leg.
Memorable comeback
Three uppercuts later and Nakashima was desperately trying to step out of danger. Another uppercut left Nakashima in a seated position, vulnerable.
Abbasov could sense an imminent stoppage and sealed the deal with yet another uppercut from each hand before the referee waved it off. The champion is now on a five-fight winning streak and takes his record to 23-4.
Nakashima suffers defeat for the first time in his entire career. The American drops to 12-1 after finding himself on the wrong side of a memorable comeback.
Important win
In the co-main event there was an important win for Timofey Nastyukhin that will have significant implications for the lightweight division. Up against #3 ranked Pieter Buist he secured a unanimous decision victory with a performance that showcased his awesome power.
The Russian landed some big shots and produced a massive takedown in what was an impressive overall performance. Although Buist never looked close to getting finished, he continued to look second best in the exchanges with Nastyukhin’s output punctuated by a furious pace.
The win takes Nastyukhin’s record to 14-4 and should earn him a shot at the title. Buist drops to 17-5 after tasting defeat for the first time in his ONE Championship career.
Fast finish
Yuya Wakamatsu sealed his third win in ONE Championship with arguably the knockout of the night against Kim Kyu Sung. The Japanese flyweight came into the bout ranked #4 and enhanced his reputation as one of the most powerful strikers in the division.
The contest was less than two minutes young before the Japanese fighter dropped Kim with a savage naked right hand. He stepped in to unleash two more shots but the job was already done.
This was the 11th knockout of Wakamatsu’s career and he extends his record to 13-4 while is opponent drops to 10-4. After the fight, he outlined his plans for what he wants to do next, saying,
“I’d like to go against Reece McLaren, knock him out and go for a title shot.”
ONE: ‘Inside the Matrix’ Part II, Singapore, November 6th
Kiamrian Abbasov def. James Nakashima by KO (Knees and Punches) at 3:27 of R4 (For welterweight title)
Timofey Nastyukhin def. Pieter Buist by Decision (Unanimous)
Yuya Wakamatsu def. Kyu Sung Kim by KO (Punch) at 1:46 of R1
Eko Roni Saputra def. Ramon Gonzales via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) at 4:07 of R1
Meng Bo def. Priscilla Gaol by KO (Punch) at 1:26 of R1
