Popular New Zealand based Malaysian Ev Ting managed to edge out his Iranian counterpart Kamal Shalorus with a close split points decision in the main event of One Championship: Throne of Tigers on Friday night. The entertaining back and forth lightweight battle could of gone either way, but to the delight of his Malaysian fans, Ting was awarded the victory.
The event took place at Stadium Negara in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
In the initial stages of the bout, Iranian wrestler Shalorus, who weighed in 3.6 kg over the lightweight limit, surprised many in attendance as he decided to keep the fight standing opting to trade with Ting. Shalorus, a former UFC fighter and One Championship title challenger, connected numerous times with powerful wild punches, while Ting opted to pick his shots cleanly and attacked with leg kicks looking to halt his opponents mobility.
Shalorus was able to drop Ting a few times with looping hooks, Ting remained composed however and quickly reciprocated with strikes of his own each time. Ting continued to connect on Shalorus with leg kicks and knees.
It was obvious that Ting was kept guessing throughout the match as he kept his hands low possibly in anticipation for the takedown from Shalorus. Unexpectedly, Shalorus only attempted one takedown in the bout which was quickly thwarted by Ting. Shalorus may have had the heavier strikes connect, but Ting’s overall volume of strikes may have swayed the judges, resulting in the split decision nod for the Aucklander.
Post match, now on a 4-0 win streak, Ting made it clear that he would like to take on current lightweight champion Eduard Folyang next.
In the co-main event, highly touted Malaysian welterweight Agilan Thani took on Taiwan’s Jeff Huang. Thani proved to be too strong for Huang continually taking his opponent to the ground with ease, muscling his way into dominant position and attacking with ground and pound. Eventually Thani was able to set up an rear-naked choke submisson forcing Huang to tap mid-way through round two. With the win, Thani continues to add to his impressive 6-0 record.
Results:
- Ev Ting def. Kamal Shalorus via Decision (Split)
- Agilan Thani def. Jeff Huang via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke), Rd 2, 2:10
- Ann Osman def. Vy Srey Khouch via TKO (Strikes), Rd 1,4:58
- Movlid Khaibulaev def. Herbert Burns via Decision (Unanimous)
- Keanu Subba def. Ahmed Mujtaba via Submission (Guillotine Choke), Rd 1, 2:56
- Alex Silva def. Roy Doliguez via Submission (Armbar), Rd 3, 2:36
- Saiful Merican def. Burn Soriano via TKO (Strikes), Rd 1, 5:00
- Tiffany Teo def. Priscilla Hertati Lumban Gaol via Decision (Unanimous)
- Muhammad Aiman def. Eduardo Novaes via TKO (Strikes), Rd 2, 2:50
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