The undefeated record of Lowen Tynanes came to an end at ONE: ‘Collision Course’. The Hawaiian went the distance with former featherweight champion Marat Gafurov and run out as the winner courtesy of a split decision.
After a slow start Tynanes tried to land a right hand and then pressed Gafurov up against the cage. He wanted the takedown but Gafurov is a BJJ black belt and he frustrated the wrestler with his takedown defence.
Tynanes persisted with his takedown attempt but could only succeed in pressing Gafurov up against the cage.The referee eventually separated them and Tynanes landed a straight right followed by a left hook.
Acrobatic kicks
With ten second remaining Tynanes finally got his takedown but Gafurov popped straight back up again. The first round proved conclusively that the Russian would not be too small at lightweight.
In the second Tynanes started aggressively as Gafurov tried some acrobatic kicks. The Hawaiian started throwing some heavy punches but decided to take the action to the ground.
Gafurov popped up up and continued to frustrate Tynanes while landing some punches and knees on the inside. The referee separated them again and a right hand from the Russian narrowly missed.
Decisive round
The fight was paused following a low blow and Gafurov started to score with kicks. With very little to choose between the two fighters the final round was likely to prove decisive.
Gafurov continued to attack with punches and kicks at the start of the third without doing any serious damage. Tynanes responded with a takedown but the Russian popped back up immediately.
The roles were reversed as Gafurov took Tynanes down. The Russian was in his comfort zone and he looked to take his opponent’s back as the undefeated Hawaiian worked his way up.
Split decision
Tynanes landed some hammer fists but it was Gafurov who was controlling the action. The former featherweight champion looked fir a single leg but the Hawaiian separated and threw a punch as the fight ended.
There was absolutely nothing to choose between the two but it was Gafurov who prevailed by split decision. His record improves to 18-3 while Tynanes drops to 10-1.
Best of the rest
It was a busy night for the judges. Yusup Saadulaev (20-5-1) beat Troy Worthen (7-1) by decision, while Yodkaikaew Fairtex (7-2-1) earned a split decision win over Tatsumitsu Wada (22-12-2).
In the first fight of the night Xie Wie (6-3) scored a stoppage win over Chan Rothana (7-4). Meanwhile Roman Kryklia and Nong-O Gaiyanghadao successfully defended their titles in kickboxing and Muay Thai respectively.
ONE: ‘Collision Course’, Singapore, December 18th
Kickboxing: Roman Kryklia def. Andrei Stoica via unanimous decision
Muay Thai: Nong-O Gaiyanghadao def. Rodlek PKSaenchaigym via KO (punch) at 1:13 of Round 3
Marat Gafurov def. Lowen Tynanes via split decision
Yusup Saadulaev def. Troy Worthen via unanimous decision
Yodkaikaew Fairtex def. Tatsumitsu Wada via split decision
Xie Wei def. Chan Rothana via TKO (punches) at 1:39 of Round 3
