March 29, 2024

Team Lakay fighters Jonathan Chris Corton and Jerry Olsim faltered in their respective fights in two different mixed martial arts events in Japan and Abu Dhabi on weekend.

Olsim of Bokod, Benguet suffered his first loss in his professional MMA career when Ryoji Kudo of Japan took home the unanimous decision in the co-main event of Rich Franklin’s ONE Warrior Series in Tokyo on Oct. 5.

The “Bokodian Warrior,” who appeared more powerful and with height advantage, was primed to keep the action standing, but the Japanese fighter was successful in bringing the fight to the ground.

Kudo went for a double-leg takedown right at the opening round, but Olsim defended well with a sprawl. 

The Japanese fighter landed a solid left hook that staggered the Lakay fighter in the second round, which opened the opportunity for Kudo to switch seamlessly between his boxing and wrestling to convince the judges in his favor for a unanimous decision victory.

Had Olsim won the fight, there could have been a bigger chance for him to land a contract to fight in the ONE main roster, following the footsteps of fellow Lakay fighter LitoAdiwang.

Earlier, Corton also suffered a unanimous decision loss to Zia Mashwani in the preliminary card of Brave Combat Federation 27 event in Abu Dhabi.

All three judges scored it in favor of the Pakistani fighter, 29-28,29-28, and 30-27.

The Pakistani fighter was also successful in bringing the fight to the ground with his excellent grappling against the Igorot fighter.

Despite losing the bout, Corton remains upbeat about his future fights.

“I must say that every match comes with a victory or defeat. And at this moment, we didn’t lose the battle. Just like before, we won’t stop pounding our fists until we actually achieve our dreams and goals. I thank you all for sticking with me every tough time,” Corton said in a post-fight post. – Harley F. Palangchao