Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times

Mixed Martial Arts

Shinya Aoki wrecks Shannon Wiratchai; Renzo Gracie picks up first win in 11 years


Former ONE Lightweight World Champion Shinya Aoki showed that he still has it, making quick work of Thai upstart Shannon Wiratchai, Friday evening at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

This is Aoki’s 41st career win, lifting his record to 41-8. Wiratchai, on the other hand, suffered his second loss in his last three bouts, falling to a 9-3 slate.

Aoki, the last Dream lightweight champion, immediately took down Wiratchai to open the contest. As a grappling specialist, he was able to gain full mount just a minute and 25 seconds into the bout.

But Aoki did not go for a submission.

After throwing short elbows and punches, he was able to find a clear space for a sharp elbow that busted Wiratchai wide open. A few punches and elbows later, the referee immediately called for a stoppage.

Receiving a warm ovation from the fans, Aoki went into the stands to celebrate with the Filipino crowd.one-reign-of-kings-renzo-gracie-def-yuki-kondo Shinya Aoki wrecks Shannon Wiratchai; Renzo Gracie picks up first win in 11 years Mixed Martial Arts News ONE Championship  - philippine sports news

Renzo Gracie and Yuki Kondo figured in a special legends attraction bout. At a combined 94 years of age, the bout was expected to be slow and methodical.

Though he was warned for being too passive early in the fight, Gracie was able to find a way, submitting Kondo in the second round for his first win in 11 years.

This was Gracie’s first bout in 3,030 days. His last bout was back in UFC 112 against Matt Hughes.

It was also Gracie’s first win in 11 years.

“If you believe you are old, you are old. But if you believe you are young, you are,” shared the 51-year-old Brazilian Jiu-jitsu black belt.

#ReadMore  Garry Tonon looks to showcase growth come Reign of Kings

The first round was stale, to say the least. Kondo was slow on his punches, while Gracie on just weaving his way out of it.

“The first round was a stale, I know how hard he hits,” recalled Gracie, who is 14-7-1 in his career.

Come the second round, Gracie immediately went for a shoot to successfully take down the former three division King of Pancrase champion. Once down, it was all Gracie. After securing the Japanese legends’ back, he was able to sink a tight rear naked choke for the victory.

“I did what my family has been doing for a hundred years, choke people out,” quipped Gracie.

This was Kondo’s 103rd career bout. He fell to 59-35-9.

ONE: Reign of Kings results
July 27, 2018 – SM Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay City

  • Lightweight bout (MMA): Shinya Aoki def. Shannon Wiratchai via first round TKO (2:16, elbows)
  • Welterweight bout (MMA): Renzo Gracie def. Yuki Kondo via second round submission (1:40, rear naked choke)
Written By


You May Also Like

Mixed Martial Arts

Former ONE Lightweight World Champion Shinya “Tobikan Judan” Aoki didn’t exactly know what to expect when he flew to the Philippines last week to...

Mixed Martial Arts

Former ONE Lightweight World Champion Shinya “Tobikan Judan” Aoki shares a competitive history with Team Lakay, having faced and beaten Eduard “Landslide” Folayang and...

Mixed Martial Arts

The careers of Eduard Folayang and Shinya Aoki will always be intertwined. And the two have become more than rivals, becoming friends. So just...

Mixed Martial Arts

Ever since former ONE Lightweight World Champion Shinya “Tobikan Judan” Aoki’s name was mentioned among those who’ll be competing in ONE X on March...

Mixed Martial Arts

It seems like Eduard “Landslide” Folayang isn’t the only person interested in facing Shinya “Tobikan Judan” Aoki once more, even after the latter put...

Mixed Martial Arts

Shinya Aoki does not want to see fellow 37-year-old Eduard Folayang hang up his gloves just yet. After going 2-1 in their five-year-long rivalry...

Mixed Martial Arts

Eduard Folayang offered no excuses for his loss against Shinya Aoki, Thursday morning during ONE on TNT IV. The 37-year-old native of Baguio City...

Mixed Martial Arts

Shinya Aoki took the final chapter of his storied rivalry with Eduard Folayang, getting a quick submission win via a left armbar (4:20) on...

Advertisement