Former WBC Muay Thai heavyweight world champion Alex Roberts has seen his hopes of a maiden ONE Championship win dashed by an unfortunate injury.
“The Viking” suffered a hamstring injury just 33 seconds into his light heavyweight Muay Thai contest against Russia’s Beybulat Isaev at ONE Friday Fights 72 on July 26. The bout took place at the historic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
In the early going, Roberts and Isaev found themselves in a clinch exchange near the corner of the ring.
As Isaev attempted to sweep Roberts, the Perth native fell to the mat and immediately grabbed at his hamstring.
While the 35-year-old bravely tried to get to his feet, he was clearly hampered by the sudden injury and the fight was waved off by the referee and Isaev declared the winner by TKO.
A scan later revealed that Roberts had torn his left hamstring off the bone, and he now faces a lengthy stint on the sidelines.
It was a disappointing end for the Aussie, who had hoped to kick off another title run after dropping his promotional debut to Ukrainian superstar Roman Kryklia in a battle for the inaugural ONE heavyweight Muay Thai world title.
For Isaev, it was his second win on the bounce and the fourth of his six-fight ONE career to date.
ONE Friday Fights 72 Full Results
Flyweight Muay Thai: Kongsuk Fairtex defeated Joachim Ouraghi via unanimous decision
Catchweight (126lb) Muay Thai: Theptaksin Sor Sornsing defeated Jelte Blommaert via unanimous decision
Catchweight (142lb) Muay Thai: SP Kansart Paeminburi defeated Thongsiam Lookjaoporongtom via split decision
Catchweight (122lb) Muay Thai: Petnamkhong Mongkolpet defeated Lookkwan Sujeebameekiew via knockout (punch combination) R1, 2:48
Catchweight (128lb) Muay Thai: Muanglao Kiattongyot defeated Songpandin Chor Kaewwiset via unanimous decision
International Card
Light Heavyweight Muay Thai: Beybulat Isaev defeated Alex Roberts via TKO (referee stoppage – leg injury) R1, 0:33
Strawweight Muay Thai: Freddie Haggerty defeated Kaichon Sor Yingcharoenkarnchang via knockout (punch) R1, 2:59
Catchweight (122lb) Muay Thai: Pataknin Sinbimuaythai defeated Majid Karimi via unanimous decision
Catchweight (128lb) Kickboxing: Akif Guluzada defeated Haruto Yasumoto via unanimous decision
Lightweight MMA: Sumit Bhyan defeated Will Drewitt via split decision
Lightweight Submission Grappling: Craig Hutchison defeated Banpot Lertthaisong via submission (armbar), 1:57
