Shinya Aoki pulled off a stunning first round submission against James Nakashima at ONE: ‘Unbreakable’ to reaffirm his status as a top lightweight contender. The Japanese fighter scored a third successive win in front of a small audience at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
This was Nakashima’s first appearance in the division for ONE, having made the move down after failing to win his welterweight title fight against Kiamrian Abbasov at ONE: ‘Inside the Matrix’ Part II. Aoki provided a baptism of fire, throwing some threatening kicks to the head and body as soon as the first bell had rung.
After clinching against the cage with his opponent, Aoki let fly with a lovely right hand. The former Dream lightweight champion then expertly ducked under to find a body lock, pushed Nakashima back against the cage and went to work at taking the back.
Emotional ending
The former LFA champion tried in vain to get Aoki off of him but the Japanese veteran secured the body triangle, locked in the choke and began to squeeze. This was the fifth time in eight matches that Aoki had secured a first-round submission.
His record now stands at 46-9 while Nakashima sinks to 12-2 and after the fight Aoki was in tears and said,
“I don’t care about the title shot but I’m so happy for this moment so thank you to all of my friends and the fans. Everyone that supports me, I’m so happy. I’m 37 years old now so I’m so happy with this moment.”
Winning streak
Meng Bo is now riding a seven fight winning streak after securing a unanimous decision against Samara Santos. The Brazilian came into the fight having lost six of her last seven and was outclassed by the in-form Chinese athlete.
Bo was at her best when letting her hands go on the feet. She also showed off her dominance with a slick hip toss in the second round, and ended the fight dropping bombs from the top position.
With some incredible momentum behind her and ranked second in the division, the 24-year-old will be one of the hot favourites heading into ONE’s mooted atomweight tournament later this year. Her record now stands at 17-5 while Santos falls to 11-8-1.
Vicious left
Lito Adiwang returned to winning ways with a beautiful knockout victory against former Deep champion, Namiki Kawahara.
The Filipino was due to take on Hexigetu but the Chinese fighter pulled out due to visa issues. Presenting a total contrast in style to Adiwang’s previous opponent, Kawahara stood in front of the Team Lakay star and looked to strike from the outset.
Adiwang edged the exchanges in the first round with some powerful leg and body kicks. He also showed excellent take down defense when the Japanese fighter did opt to shoot.
‘The Thunder Kid’ looked a step faster in each exchange and produced a stunning one-punch finish in the second round. As Kawahara stepped in, Adiwang clocked him with a clean and vicious left hand to the jaw to extend his record to 12-3.
ONE: ‘Unbreakable’, Singapore, January 22nd
Captain Petchyindee def. Alaverdi Ramazanov via TKO at 1:46 of Round 2
Shinya Aoki def. James Nakashima via submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:41 of Round 1
Rade Opacic def. Bruno Sasano via KO (Punches) at 1:07 of Round 2
Gadzhimurad Abdulaev def. Zebaztian Kadestam via submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:09 of Round 1
Meng Bo def. Samara Santos via unanimous decision
Lito Adiwang def. Namiki Kawahara via KO (Punch) at 2:02 of Round 2
