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.
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.
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)
