Filipino mixed martial arts fighter Jeremy Miado saved the night for the Philippines when he stopped his opponent via second-round technical knockout in ONE: NextGen in Singapore on Oct. 29.
Miado’s victory came earlier, as Team Lakay’s Jenelyn Olsim fought Ritu Phogat gallantly but failed to advance in one of the ONE atomweight world Grand Prix bouts.
Miado made his presence felt in the strawweight MMA division after he looked sharp and lethal as he continued his mastery over Miao Li Tao of China.
It was another impressive outing for Miado, who knocked out Miao with a spectacular flying knee in their first encounter two years ago.
The 28-year-old used his reach advantage early on, sticking stiff jabs on the Chinese athlete’s face while mixing in occasional body shots, leg kicks, and hooks.
With Miao showing his willingness to keep the fight standing in the second frame, Miado quickly made him pay.
A lightning-quick left hook stunned the Chinese athlete, and while he protested that it was an eye poke, referee Justin Brown deemed it a legal punch. With that, Miado instantly pounced on his foe.
A hard straight right followed by a thunderous hook to the body left Miao scurrying. He turned his back on Miado, who unleashed one more flurry of strikes until the referee called off the fight just 50 seconds into the second round.
Meanwhile, Phogat has booked her spot in the ONE women’s atomweight world Grand Prix championship final after a unanimous decision win over Olsim.
Olsim started out on a lively note, effectively stopping Phogat’s initial takedown attempt while using her reach and fast hands to disrupt the Indian’s striking. But her success was short-lived.
Soon, Phogat displayed her grappling prowess and scored the first of many takedowns. While battling on the ground, Olsim constantly threatened with submissions, especially triangles and armbars, but the Indian fighters always escaped, advanced her position, and methodically unleashed ground strikes.
The win moved Phogat’s record to seven wins and one loss and earned her a spot in the Grand Prix final against Stamp Fairtex.
The winner in the match between Phogat and Fairtex will face reigning champion Angela Lee. – Harley F. Palangchao
