Isi Fitikefu has shown his well-rounded game in a methodical victory over Hiroyuki Tetsuka at ONE 168: Denver this past weekend.
“Doxz” halted the five-fight win streak of his opponent and proved to be a class above in the welterweight MMA contest at the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, United States, on September 7.
Fitikefu came out with crisp, technical striking from the opening bell.
Tetsuka searched for early takedowns, but Fitikefu was equal to the task, showing excellent timing and scrambling ability as he repeatedly regained his feet.
Fitikefu continued to score with heavy combinations, all set up by the jab, throughout the second round as “The Japanese Beast” appeared to slow down under the pressure.
Tetsuka looked to be close with a slick armbar attempt late in the second, but Fitikefu quickly escaped.
The Tongan Australian’s dominance extended into the final frame, as he switched to a grappling heavy gameplan to stifle Tetsuka up against the cage and land heavy ground and pound.
Fitikefu was deservedly awarded the unanimous decision after three gruelling rounds at high altitude, scoring the second victory of his ONE tenure.
The 31-year-old Gracie Smeaton Grange representative halted the momentum of Tetsuka, who had finished his last five opponents inside the distance.
Two-division ONE MMA world champion Christian Lee returns to action at ONE 169: Atlanta on November 9, where he defends his lightweight MMA crown against Alibeg Rasulov.
Presumably, “The Warrior” will be looking to defend his ONE welterweight MMA world title next, and Fitikefu has inserted his name into the conversation for the Lee sweepstakes.
ONE 168: Denver Full Results
- ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title: Superlek Kiatmoo9 defeated Jonathan Haggerty via knockout (elbow) R1, 0:49
- Catchweight (140lb) Muay Thai: Seksan Or Kwanmuang defeated Liam Harrison via TKO (three knockdowns) R2, 1:49
- Catchweight (213.75lb) MMA: Shamil Erdogan defeated Aung La N Sang via TKO (referee stoppage – ground and pound) R2, 2:48
- Bantamweight Muay Thai: John Lineker defeated Asa Ten Pow via knockout (right hook) R2, 2:50
- Women’s Atomweight MMA: Victoria Sousa defeated Alyse Anderson via unanimous decision
- Welterweight MMA: Isi Fitikefu defeated Hiroyuki Tetsuka via unanimous decision
- Lightweight MMA: Adrian Lee defeated Nico Cornejo via submission (rear-naked choke) R1, 2:37
- Catchweight (142lb) Muay Thai: Johan Ghazali defeated Josue Cruz via knockout (punch) R1, 3:00
- Flyweight Muay Thai: Johan Estupinan defeated Sean Climaco via TKO (three knockdowns) R2, 1:28
