Future mixed martial arts flyweight contender Lito “The Thunder Kid” Adiwang made a rousing introduction in the ONE Championship main roster with a first-round finish of his Japanese opponent in ONE: Century part 1 in Tokyo, Japan on weekend.
The 26-year-old Adiwang also carried with pride the country’s banner, as he emerged as the only victor among four Filipino fighters who fought in the historic event presented by the biggest MMA promotion in Asia.
Although younger and shorter, Adiwang made a rousing debut when he forced the referee to stop the fight in the very first round after Senzo Ikeda suffered a right hand injury and could not continue the flyweight bout.
Adiwang opened the first minute of the bout with a leg kick before Ikeda went for a takedown that went awry when the Filipino fighter caught his opponent with a tight scarf-hold armlock.
Adiwang knew the Japanese fighter’s right hand got injured reason why he told the referee about it three times while both fighters are on the ground.
Ikeda did not tap out and managed to stand up but the referee quickly noticed the dislocated right arm of the Japanese fighter, forcing him to stop the fight with Adiwang winning by technical knockout.
Adiwang improved his MMA record to 10 wins with two losses while Ikeda dropped to 12 wins, eight losses, and one draw.
Adiwang made it to the ONE main roster following three impressive victories in the Rich Franklin’s ONE Warrior Series.
Before the Japan bout, he emerged victorious via unanimous decision against Anthony Do of Vietnam last August.
Adiwang, who started as a professional MMA fighter in 2012, once left the country for a greener pasture but decided to go back to training and pursued his career in combat sports. – Harley F. Palangchao
April 26, 2024
