ONE Championship has seen plenty of quality action from Malaysian fighters this year, with no shortage of scintillating finishes.
Let’s take a look back at some of their most outstanding stoppages in 2018.
Jordan Boy vs Stergos Mikkios
There was a lot of expectation surrounding the debut of Mohammed ‘Jordan Boy’ Mahmoud in ONE Championship’s Super Series, and the 23-year-old justified all of the hype and beyond.
In front of a roaring hometown crowd at ONE: DESTINY OF CHAMPIONS in Kuala Lumpur, the Muay Thai prodigy made light work of Greek opponent, Stergos Mikkios.
Barely two minutes into the bantamweight bout, Jordan Boy landed a searing elbow which immediately dropped Mikkios to the canvas.
Mikkios answered the 10 count from the referee but it didn’t take long until he was right back where he started, as Jordan Boy blasted him with a heavy straight right to send him back to the deck and secure the victory.
It was a dream debut and he savored every moment of it, as he waved the Malaysian flag in front of thousands of his celebrating compatriots.
“I predicted the knockout, and nothing feels better than getting your prediction spot on,” he recalled.”I’ve been thinking about that moment every day as everything was such an eye-opening experience.”
Muhammed Aiman vs Chen Lei
Muhammed “Jungle Cat’ Aiman was not only facing an undefeated fighter in Chen Lei, but to add to the degree of difficulty, he was doing it in his opponent’s territory.
That’s what made Aiman’s victory at ONE: BEYOND THE HORIZON in Shanghai so special.
“Jungle Cat” looked sharp through the opening two rounds and looked to be doing more effective damage with his strikes.
Then, as the second round wound down, Aiman unleashed a powerful body kick that had Chen scrambling for a takedown while he recovered.
However Aiman wasted no time in capitalizing on his wounded opponent, spinning swiftly to leap onto Chen’s back and sinking in the rear-naked choke to end the contest.
The Bali MMA fighter then turned to his corner: “You told me I need to work on my ground, and look at that.”
Jihin Radzuan vs Puja Tomar
Teenager Jihin “Shadow Cat” Radzuan had been earmarked for greatness and she didn’t disappoint in her ONE debut at ONE: VISIONS OF VICTORY in Kuala Lumpur.
Radzuan received the warmest of welcomes from her fellow Malaysians inside the arena as she walked to the cage, and when the action started she repaid them handsomely for their generous support.
“Shadow Cat” came bolting out of the gates from the opening bell and completely dominated the first round against the durable and game Indian Tomar.
The second round began in similar fashion, with Radzuan taking control from the outset. She eventually dragged Tomar to the mat and began to threaten with a variety of submissions.
Ultimately, Radzuan worked her way to full mount and locked in a masterful triangle choke to force Tomar to tap, clinching a memorable win and proving she’s a fighter to look out for in 2019.
