It was a case of better late than never for Coopar Royal this past Friday.
After enduring a frustrating opening two rounds, “Rush” came up trumps with a slick triangle armbar submission win over Komronbek Ortikov in the dying embers of their flyweight MMA bout at ONE Friday Fights 47 on January 12.
In the process, Royal avenged his Family Fight Team stablemate Percival Mwambi, who lost a close decision to the Uzbek in late 2023.
The first two rounds were a tough time for the Aussie who, like his teammate, was made to work by the wrestling-heavy game of Ortikov.
Royal defended diligently throughout the opening 10 minutes of action, but was largely unable to escape the grasp of his ultra-strong foe.
His patience paid off in the third, however, as a small opening finally presented itself with just over two minutes left in the fight.
As Ortikov searched for yet another takedown, Royal latched onto an arm and refused to let it go.
The Uzbek fought hard to escape, but Royal showed some slick transitions and eventually slapped on a triangle that provided him with the angle he needed to complete the armbar and in turn, the submission at the 3:16 mark of the final round.
With the win, Royal banked his second win on ONE’s Friday Fights platform and furthered his chances of taking out a six-figure contract with the promotion. The 24-year-old’s overall professional record now stands at a perfect 5-0.
The 22-year-old Ortikov suffered his first defeat as a professional, falling to 2-1.
ONE Friday Fights 47 Full Results
Catchweight (140lb) Muay Thai: Alexey Balyko defeated Suakim Sor Jor Thongprajin via knockout (left hook) R3, 0:22
Strawweight Muay Thai: Kompet Fairtex defeated Daren Rolland via TKO (punches) R3, 2:11
Flyweight Muay Thai: Puengluang Baanramba defeated Rhuam Felipe via unanimous decision
Catchweight (136lb) Muay Thai: Dentungtong Singha Mawynn defeated Petsirichai Detpetchsrithong via split decision
Catchweight (113lb) Muay Thai: Khunsuk Sor Dechapan defeated Nueaphet Kelasport via knockout (punch) R1, 0:55
Catchweight (120lb) Muay Thai: Kaenlek Sor Chokmeechai defeated Superman Or AudUdon via TKO (knees) R1, 2:27
Bantamweight Muay Thai: Ferrari Fairtex defeated Antar Kacem via unanimous decision
Lightweight Kickboxing: Alexis Nicolas defeated Magomed Magomedov via unanimous decision
Catchweight (140lb) Muay Thai: Numpangna Eaglemuaythai defeated Sho Ogawa via knockout (elbow) R2, 1:52
Catchweight (130lb) Muay Thai: Apiwat Sor Somnuk defeated Elyes Kacem via knockout (punch) R2, 1:23
Flyweight MMA: Khalim Nazruloev defeated Ilimbek Akylbek Uulu via TKO (punches) R2, 1:59
Flyweight MMA: Coopar Royal defeated Komronbek Ortikov via submission (triangle armbar) R3, 3:16
