ONE Championship’s first event of 2019 could not have gotten off to a better start. This past Saturday, 19 January, ONE: ETERNAL GLORY featured four exciting knockouts, a pair of first-round submissions, and six battles that went the distance.
The event was wrapped up with the crowning of a new World Champion — a perfect way to kick-start another record-breaking year ahead.
Here are four of the biggest takeaways from the promotion’s season opener.
#1 A New World Champion Is Born
Introducing yourself in a new promotion is one thing, but back-to-back victories over World Champions in your first two battles is truly special.
Yosuke “Tobizaru” Saruta defeated former titleholder Alex “Little Rock” Silva in December, and then, seven weeks later, claimed the ONE Strawweight World Title from reigning champion Joshua “The Passion” Pacio at the Istora Senayan in Jakarta, Indonesia.
The Japanese veteran showed no signs of weaknesses throughout the 25-minute battle, answering everything Pacio had in store for him both standing and on the ground.
From takedowns to stopping the Filipino’s well-worked setups for a submission, Saruta displayed everything in a grueling encounter to earn the split decision win — and the belt — this past weekend.
#2 “The Warrior” Is On A Roll
With a 100 percent finish rate, seven knockouts, and four submission victories, Christian “The Warrior” Lee is a future World Champion in the making.
The 20-year-old Evolve MMA representative settled an old score with a dominant display of Edward “The Ferocious” Kelly in Jakarta.
He did not waste any time in bringing the battle to Kelly, taking him down to the canvas, and unleashing his ground and pound. The Team Lakay product could do very little before referee Kemp Cheng put a stop to this contest at 2:53 of round one.
Did we mention he has nine first-round finishes and the most victories in The Home of Martial Arts?
#3 Another Explosive Night For ONE Super Series
The first Muay Thai bout was a striking lecture in progress as England’s Jonathan “The General” Haggerty and Italy’s Joseph “The Hurricane” Lasiri had a go at each other in a three-round thriller.
Haggerty started off the stronger of the pair, landing accurate kicks and stinging elbows that shook his Italian foe. “The Hurricane” came out with more flair in the second, landing heavier fists and a stunning flying knee.
While the third frame was a well-balanced affair, “The General” was more active and ultimately left Indonesia with a unanimous decision victory.
The co-main event was just as good, as Mongkolpetch Petchyindee Academy saw out fellow promotional debutant Alexi “Phet” Serepisos via unanimous decision.
#4 A Much-Improved Tomar
After two defeats in The Home of Martial Arts, Puja “The Cyclone” Tomar needed a victory and there was no sweeter victory in Jakarta than this.
The Indian atomweight was a heavy underdog, but surprised the audience with a sturdy attacking game plan against Priscilla Hertati Lumban Gaol.
Round two and three were a different ball game as the hometown hero eventually got Tomar hooked in a rear-naked choke. “The Cyclone” still refused to quit, however, and the local favorite further tested her resilience with another submission attempt.
Tomar continued to soldier on with determination in route to her first ONE victory.
Video 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUqVQ6DvkSQ
Video 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ns8ScVG-RoA
