Ben Askren Overcomes Tremendous Challenge From Nikolay Aleksakhin

The largest sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), put on a spectacular show at the 20,000-capacity Mall of Asia Arena, featuring the absolute best in local and international mixed martial arts talent. Geje Eustaquio turned in a masterful performance against young Malaysian prospect Gianni Subba to win by unanimous decision in the co-main event. In the main event, ONE Welterweight World Champion Ben “Funky” Askren overcame a spirited performance from Russian contender Nikolay Aleksakhin to win by unanimous decision in a five-round Super Fight.

In the main event of the evening, the United States’ Ben “Funky” Askren overcame a tremendous effort from Nikolay Aleksakhin of Seltso, Russia to win by unanimous decision in a five-round Super Fight. Askren put on an amazing display of high-level wrestling to score on multiple takedowns, maintaining control of Aleksakhin on the ground while doing damage from the mounted crucifix position. Aleksakhin connected on a few solid strikes, but it wasn’t enough to trump Askren’s overall solid performance.

In a much-awaited bantamweight contest, Team Lakay’s Geje “Gravity” Eustaquio completely outclassed top Malaysian prospect Gianni Subba in an exciting three-round bout in front of Eustaquio’s home crowd in Manila. Eustaquio kept Subba at bay all night at the end of his lightning fast kicks and sharp counterpunching. Subba could not get his offense going as Eustaquio dominated from end-to-end to earn the unanimous decision.

On the other hand, Lightweight standout Lowen Tynanes of Ewa Beach, Hawaii defeated highly-regarded Japanese veteran Koji “The Commander” Ando by unanimous decision in a gruelling contest. Tynanes used his superior wrestling skills to control the action in the cage, while also getting the better of Ando in the stand-up with his powerful leg kicks and straight right hand. After three rounds, Ando couldn’t amount to much as Tynanes ran away with the judges’ nod.

Filipino-Australian fighter Reece “Lightning” McLaren showed the world that he is an absolute force to be reckoned with by dominating former combat sambo world champion Muin “Tajik” Gafurov over three rounds. McLaren completely shut down Gafurov with his impeccable mat and cage control, displaying a high-level grappling game that Gafurov had no answer to.  McLaren wins a unanimous decision in a very technical affair.

A memorable lightweight contest ensued between Filipino combatants Honorio “The Rock” Banario and Vaughn “The Spawn” Donayre.  Banario dominated the striking exchanges, landing the right hand over the top frequently and with good, solid power. The former featherweight champion also controlled action on the ground, almost finishing the fight with an armbar submission, showcasing his improved grappling. In the end, Banario did just enough to earn the unanimous decision.

In an intense, crowd-pleasing fight, Martin “The Situ-Asian” Nguyen and China’s Li Kai Wen brought fans up to their feet with a display of fierce and explosive striking exchanges. The two fighters unloaded on each other from the opening bell. As they traded blows, Li dropped Nguyen with a punch but Nguyen was able to withstand the damage and recover. Once on the ground, Nguyen’s superiority showed as he was able to control Li’s back and finish the fight with punches from the top.

Team Lakay’s Joshua Pacio debuted for ONE Championship with a solid victory over Rabin Catalan, remaining an unbeaten young prospect. Pacio controlled the action from top position after scoring on a big slam over Catalan, landing some heavy blows in the first round. In the second round, Pacio again scored with a big overhead slam. This time, Pacio was able to step over into mount and finish the fight with ground-and-pound.

Team Lakay’s lady warrior April Osenio impressed the crowd with vastly improved grappling skills to win by submission over British-Filipina fighter Natalie Gonzales Hills in a battle of female atomweights. Although Hills was able to take Osenio down successfully, it was Osenio who was dangerous on the back. In her rubber guard, Osenio needed only a brief moment to latch on the fight-ending armbar.

Indonesia’s Sunoto overcame an ill-advised kimura attempt by Filipino contender Burn “Hitman” Soriano to win by technical knockout. After Sunoto found himself in mount position, the Indonesian fighter unloaded a volley of strikes to force the stoppage just minutes into the first round.

Team Lakay’s Danny Kingad made an impressive ONE Championship debut with a victory over Malaysia’s Muhamad Haidar to kick off an exciting evening at ONE: GLOBAL RIVALS.  Kingad showcased his wrestling ability by shooting for a double-leg takedown and taking Haidar for a ride with two emphatic slams before finishing the Malaysian off with ground-and-pound.


Official results for ONE: GLOBAL RIVALS

• Catchweight Super Fight (85.3kg): Ben Askren defeats Nikolay Aleksakhin by Unanimous Decision
• Bantamweight bout: Geje Eustaquio defeats Gianni Subba by Unanimous Decision
• Lightweight bout: Lowen Tynanes defeats Koji Ando by Unanimous Decision
• Bantamweight bout: Reece McLaren defeats Muin Gafurov by Unanimous Decision
• Lightweight bout: Honorio Banario defeats Vaughn Donayre by Unanimous Decision
• Featherweight bout: Martin Nguyen defeats Li Kai Wen by TKO (Strikes) at 4:44 minutes of round 1
• Catchweight bout (57.4kg): Joshua Pacio defeats Rabin Catalan by TKO (Strikes) at 3:19 minutes of round 2
• Women’s Atomweight bout: April Osenio defeats Natalie Gonzales Hills by Submission (Armbar) at 3:23 minutes of round 1
• Catchweight bout (67.3kg): Sunoto defeats Burn Soriano by TKO (Strikes) at 3:50 minutes of round 1
• Flyweight bout: Danny Kingad defeats Muhamad Haidar by TKO (Strikes) at 2:20 minutes of round 1

In case you missed the action log on to www.onefc.com/livestream for the full replay of the fights at only US $9.99.

For more updates on ONE Championship™, please visit www.onefc.com and follow Twitter and Instagram @ONEFCMMA and Facebook at www.facebook.com/ONEFCMMA


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Malaysian Prospect Gianni Subba On One: Global Rivals

TOP MALAYSIAN PROSPECT GIANNI SUBBA ON ROAD TO ONE TITLE

 One of the top Malaysian mixed martial arts prospects, 23-year old flyweight standout Gianni Subba (7-1) will return to the ONE Championship cage on Friday, 15th of April 2016 at ONE: GLOBAL RIVALS, against the Philippines best flyweight bet Geje “Gravity” Eustaquio (7-4) of Baguio City’s Team Lakay.  With a victory, Subba feels he will be one step closer to a shot at the ONE Flyweight World Championship.

 “Whatever ONE CHAMPIONSHIP has planned for me, the goal is to win a world title for Malaysia,” said Subba, who faces his toughest test yet in Eustaquio.   Eustaquio is arguably the Philippines’ most talented fighter at flyweight, with a record of seven wins and only four defeats. The Filipino stalwart is known for keeping his cool and composure in the face of adversity, while dishing out some of the fastest strikes in the business nicely packed in Wushu Sanshou.

For Subba, the fact that Eustaquio is also on the rise makes him feel their paths would inevitably cross one day.  “I always knew that I would eventually be fighting Geje [Eustaquio] so I wasn't surprised that I got the match-up,” said Subba. “He's fought some of the best in the division and I'm working my way up, it was inevitable.”

At seven wins and just one loss, Subba is at the top of the list of flyweight prospects on the cusp of a breakout performance.  All Subba needs is one solid victory against a highly-ranked opponent, and he could be next in line for a crack at ONE Championship Gold.

Eustaquio, 26, has competed for the ONE title before, losing via Guillotine Choke submission to former champion Adriano “Mikinho” Moraes. Despite the loss, the Filipino was able to showcase his solid striking technique and impeccable timing and although Moraes was able to gut out the victory, it didn’t come without resistance.

In Eustaquio’s most recent bout earlier this year, he stopped another Malaysian fighter in Saiful “The Vampire” Merican.  Eustaquio clipped Merican on the temple with a clubbing left hook that sent him reeling to the canvas. The Filipino then finished the job with a technical ground kick, coercing referee Joey Lepiten to call a halt to the contest.  It was an abrupt and sweet night for Eustaquio, whose highlight reel finish made the rounds on social media shortly after his victory.

Despite his opponent’s high caliber, Subba feels he is well equipped to handle anything Eustaquio brings to the table.  “Filipinos are known to be durable and strong. The strategy is to beat Geje everywhere,” said Subba. “ I'm not afraid to test my striking and I'm confident in my ground game. Geje is tough just like the rest of my opponents before.”

A victory here should bring Subba one step closer to a title shot against reigning ONE Flyweight World Champion Kairat Akhmetov, or a gatekeeper fight against former champion Moraes.

On the flipside, after Eustaquio’s stunning victory over Merican last January, a victory over Subba may be just the ticket the Filipino will also need to book another title shot.

The winner of this bout will undoubtedly be lined up for another huge fight in the near future. But even then, if the opportunity doesn’t immediately present itself, Subba says he is fine waiting.   “If I have to wait, it will just be more time to work on my game,” said Subba, constantly working on improving his skills. “The motivation is and has always been to be the best that I can be. Having a supporting family and great teammates who have the same goals makes it easy for me to work hard day in and day out.”

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