ONE FC: Aoki Beats Boku; Larson Defeats Manhoef

Once again, when one of those sticky-fingered grapplers grabs ahold, it’s trouble for strikers, and so it was as Shinya Aoki defeated Kotetsu Boku to wrest the ONE Fighting Championship lightweight title on Thursday.

In front of an apprehensive crowd Aoki (having his hand raised in above photo) proved his submission holds superior to Boku’s strikes in winning by submission at Singapore Indoor Stadium in Singapore. Despite the powerful kicks and punches in Boku’s arsenal, the grappler emerged victorious at 4:04 of round two.

“I have managed to bring back the belt to Evolve,” said Aoki, about his training center. “This belt means so much to me and my friends and I’m happy I did not let anybody down.”

Aoki has long been considered one of the top MMA lightweights and now has the ONE FC title to prove it.

“I managed to execute the game plan to perfections,” said Aoki. “I’m proud to be ONE FC champion.”

In other fights Brock Larson survived a nearly catastrophic first round from Melvin Manhoef’s kicks to rally toward a decision victory after three rounds of a middleweight fight. Larson’s ability to absorb blows proved key to his victory in a fight between former UFC fighters.

“Melvin did what I expected him to do. I will be the first to admit that his strikes hurt me,” said Larson. “But I showed resilience and toughness to come back and prove that I am the better fighter,” explained Larson. “I think I did well tonight and will look to do even better and finish the fight.”

Other results

Masakatsu Ueda beat Jens Pulver by an arm bar submission at 3:52 of round two.

Kevin Belingon knocked out Thanh Vu at 1:00 of round two.

Eddie Ng submitted Arnaud Lepont by arm bar at 4:45 of round two.

Leandro Issa defeated Yusup Saadulaev by decision after three rounds.

Alex Silva used an arm bar to force a submission of Rene Catalan at 4:34 of round one.

Bashir Ahmad won by decision over Shannon Wiratchai after three rounds.

Jake Butler submitted Swain Cangco at 2:52 of round one.

Chen Yun Ting knocked out Ronald Low at 3:58 of round one.