ROUND TWO
It was a much slower and tentative start to the frame. The two bounced around and barely struck, causing referee Olivier Coste to call for more action on two occasions.
Jihin seemed slightly more willing to engage with wushu side kicks to the shin and short punches, but Zamboanga hit another takedown. The Malaysian threw her legs up and worked for an armbar, putting her opponent on the defensive. But “The Menace Fairtex” remained calm, escaped, and found herself in side control. She was not able to do too much, and soon, the pair returned to their feet.
Again, the two were hesitant to strike, which caused the referee to issue a yellow card. They immediately started striking, but again, the Filipina charged forward, ate some shots, and connected with another takedown. Though Jihin escaped and threw short punches, the Filipina charged her against the fence, clinched up, and threw punches and short knees.
ROUND ONE
Zamboanga immediately went for the takedown. Jihin tried to avoid it, but the Filipina brought her down and worked to side control. Ultimately, the local favorite was able to bring her into guard.
The Filipina scooted her against the fence and went for ground and pound, but “Shadow Cat” scrambled back to her feet. She tried throwing punches, but Zamboanga charged forward and hit another takedown. “The Menace Fairtex” advanced to better positions, but during her advancements, the Malaysian escaped.
Back on the feet, Jihin marched forward with punches and kicks. Although she had her opponent throwing single counter strikes, Zamboanga scored another takedown and soon throw a few punches.
Jihin scrambled back to her feet yet again, but “The Menace Fairtex” gave her no time to breathe. She clinched up against the fence, threw short punches to the head and tried to land another takedown, but the bell rang.
Conversely, Zamboanga has been training alongside Jihin’s former opponent — Jenny Huang — and believes she can take advantage of some weaknesses. Read about that here.
Jihin made her prediction known to ONEFC.com. Want to find out how she thinks this one will go down? Read it here.
Up next, Malaysia’s Jihin Radzuan takes on the Philippines' Denice Zamboanga in a women’s atomweight clash.
Agilan Thani defeats Dante Schiro via split decision (mixed martial arts — welterweight)
Reece McLaren defeats Gurdarshan Mangat via submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:35 of round one (mixed martial arts — flyweight)
Read Mangat’s inspirational story about overcoming health issues to become one of the fast-rising stars in ONE Championship.
It has been a tough year for McLaren. He lost two close decision bouts in the ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix, but hopes to close out the year with a big victory.
Gurdarshan “Saint Lion” Mangat gets Reece “Lightning” McLaren in a pivotal flyweight contest!
Andrei Stoica defeats Anderson Silva via knockout at 1:57 of round one (ONE Super Series kickboxing — light heavyweight)
ROUND ONE
Both men leaned heavily on their kicks in the opening minute. Silva took control of the action and tried backing his opponent up, and while Stoica did step backwards, he cut angles and never hit the fence.
During an exchange, Stoica cut an angle and connected with a right hook, which clipped the Brazilian. Then as the Romanian moved away, he stunned his opponent with a left hook. Stoica rushed ahead for the finish, dropping him with a cross straight down the middle to earn a first-round knockout.
The two veterans combine for over 100 professional bouts and more than 50 career knockouts. We suggest grabbing some popcorn.
Strap all loose items down because Andrei Stoica and Anderson Silva are going to shake the Earth with their thunderous power in this light heavyweight contest.
Bokang Masunyane defeats Ryuto Sawada via unanimous decision (mixed martial artist — strawweight)
We are officially at the Bon Jovi point of our show.
That concludes the preliminary card. Find out how you can watch the main card in your country right here.
We spoke to Rayane Bastos backstage, who was extra happy about her debut victory. She knew she would win, even when her loved ones were not as positive. ”When I left Brazil, my family and friends already told me I was going to be the underdog, so I came extra prepared,” she said. "I'm happy for the win, and I cannot wait to fight in ONE Championship again."
Elias Mahmoudi defeats Lerdsila Phuket Top Team via unanimous decision (ONE Super Series Muay Thai — flyweight)
In this round, Mahmoudi threw 73 strikes, with 15 significant ones landing. Meanwhile, Lerdsila threw 55, with 8 significant strikes landing.
Overall, the striking was a bit more even. Lerdsila threw 93 strikes, 15 of which were significant strikes landed. Mahmoudi threw 97 strikes, 20 of which were significant strikes landed.
Putting a cap on the prelims will be a ONE Super Series Muay Thai flyweight tilt between Lerdsila Phuket Top Team and Elias Mahmoudi