Eros Baluyot achieved the most significant victory of his budding mixed martial arts career to date on the supporting card of ONE Friday Fights 87 on Friday evening.
The 32-year-old Filipino showcased his grappling prowess in his debut at the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, submitting Russia’s Changy Kara-Ool in a thrilling strawweight MMA clash.
However, the victory was far from a walk in the park for the two-time IBJJF world champion.
(C) ONEFC.com
Kara-Ool dominated the striking exchanges in the opening salvo, repeatedly landing his powerful left hand with precision. While Baluyot pressed forward undeterred, the Russian’s confidence grew as he picked his shots and connected with remarkable accuracy.
Just as Kara-Ool seemed to seize control, Baluyot turned the tide in the second round. Capitalizing on a mistimed body kick, he dragged the ONE Friday Fights mainstay into his domain — the ground game.
Once on the mat, the Submission Sports Philippines member methodically worked his way into position, expertly wrapping his legs around Kara-Ool’s lead leg. Despite the Russian’s determined attempts to escape, his superior submission skills proved too much.
Spotting an opening, Baluyot applied a tight heel hook, forcing Kara-Ool to tap at the 1:06 mark of the aforementioned frame.
With this spectacular win, Baluyot remains unbeaten in the all-encompassing sport, advancing his professional record to 5-0.
(C) ONEFC.com
The victory also served as a measure of revenge for the Philippines, as Kara-Ool had previously defeated Filipino journeyman Arsenio Balisacan earlier this year on ONE Championship’s weekly series.
On the other hand, Kara-Ool suffered his second consecutive loss, dropping to 5-2.
