In a prelude to ONE: Global Rivals set to be held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on April 15, three Filipinos stepped into the ONE cage at the Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon, Myanmar with the “Clown Prince of Philippine MMA” Euguene Toquero figuring in a pivotal title eliminator bout and debuting Robin Catalan looking to avenge his brothers.
However, out of the three Filipinos, only one came out as the victor with Lakay MMA’s Edward “The Ferocious” Kelly handing Jordan Lucas his first career MMA loss.
Toquero drops title eliminator, taps to Moraes
In flyweight action, Eugene Toquero needed to defeat former ONE Flyweight Champion Adriano “Mikinho” Moraes to stamp his claim for a title shot. In the first four minutes of this fight, he was doing so but then experience overcame determination.
The former ONE champion tried to takedown the Filipino in the opening minutes of the bout but Toquero had a spring in his step to avoid it. Midway into the fight, Toquero rocked Moraes with a flying knee and follow up strikes. This busted Moraes right eye and gashed the bridge of his nose as well. With 1:54 left in the bout, the Brazilian scored a huge slam and brought Toquero to the world of Brazilian Jiujitsu. Once on the mat, Moraes sunk in a D’Arce Choke to seal the deal.
#ONEFightNight Moraes' D'arce choke against Filipino flyweight Toquero pic.twitter.com/LCVfdgk2hU
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) March 18, 2016
Toquero drops to 8-3 with the loss while Moraes will most likely be set-up for a rematch against current ONE World Flyweight Champion Kairat Akhmetov.
Result: Adriano Moraes defeats Eugene Toquero by Submission (D’Arce Choke) at 4:53 minutes of round 1
Silva slays another Catalan
#ONEFightNight 25 year old Wushu fighter Robin " The Ilonggo" Catalan set to make his @ONEFCMMA debut pic.twitter.com/C3H5mcfXz1
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) March 18, 2016
In strawweight action, Alex “Little Rock” Silva of Brazil overcame a workmanlike performance from Robin “The Ilonggo” Catalan of the Philippines, winning by submission over his third straight Catalan opponent. Catalan had some success trading blows with Silva at the center of the cage, but Silva constantly looked for the takedown and was finally able to get it deep in the first round. An arm triangle choke forced Catalan to tap out shortly after.
The loss gives “The Ilonggo” his second career loss and is now 5-2. Alex Silva goes up to 4-1.
Result: Alex Silva defeats Robin Catalan by Submission (Arm Triangle Choke) at 4:32 minutes of round 1
Kelly ferocious in victory
Filipino featherweight Edward “The Ferocious” Kelly of Team Lakay offset a spirited effort from debuting fighter Jordan “Showtime” Lucas of Australia, winning by submission in the first round. After a couple of successful takedowns from Lucas, Kelly was able to sneak in a rear naked choke, forcing the previously unbeaten Australian to tap out.
The win breaks Kelly’s funk and now moves to 7-3 overall. Lucas, on the other hand, falls to 8-1.
Result: Edward Kelly defeats Jordan Lucas by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 3:47 minutes of round 1
