(PRESS RELEASE) -- Manila, Philippines: The largest sports mediaproperty in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), electrified thepacked house at the 20,000-seater Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City,Philippines with another evening of world-class mixed martial artsaction to close out an amazing year. In the main event,international mixed martial arts superstar Brandon Veracaptured the inaugural ONE Heavyweight World Championship byknocking out Paul Chengwithin a minute of the first round of their title bout.
Filipino-American Brandon Veramade quick work of Taiwan’s Paul Cheng,stopping his opponent within moments of the opening bell to claimthe inaugural ONE Heavyweight World Championship. Vera opened thebout by dropping Cheng with a counter left hook after Cheng wascaught over-extending on a missed punch. Vera followed up with ahigh kick that landed flush, sending Cheng down to the canvas. Fromthere, Vera rained down hammer fists to force a stoppage.
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ReeceMcLaren of Queensland, Australia shocked the hometown crowd bybeating MarkStriegl by submission in the second round of a bantamweightcontest. McLaren invested in leg kicks early, slowing down anaggressive yet composed Striegl who was determined to use hiswrestling to take McLaren to the ground. Striegl dropped McLarenwith a short right elbow followed up by a technical ground kick,but failed to finish off the Australian. In the final round,McLaren had just enough to outlast Striegl, as he locked in a rearnaked choke to earn the victory.
Filipino striking specialist, EugeneToquero stopped previously unbeaten Li Wei Binof China in an intense matchup of aggressive flyweights. Toqueroutilized his unorthodox striking techniques to bring the fight toLi, who tried his best to weather the storm. Toquero increased hisoffensive output in round two, battering Li from end to end withwell-placed combinations. Toquero was awarded with a technicalknockout victory after Li failed to answer the call for roundthree.
IrinaMazepa of St. Petersburg, Russia barrelled through her opponentto score her second victory inside the ONE Cage, defeating formerwomen’s boxing world champion AnaJulaton. Julaton began the bout looking to take Mazepa down tothe mat but had difficulty with Mazepa’s exceptional takedowndefense. Striking superiority belonged to the former Russiankickboxing standout, as Mazepa stifled Julaton throughout the fightwith powerful strikes. In the end, Mazepa owned the advantage inboth the stand-up and in the clinch, doing just enough to receive aunanimous decision from all three judges.
Female strawweights “Unstoppable” Angela Leeof Singapore and LenaTkhorevska of Poland put on an amazing show of high-levelgrappling for fight fans in attendance. The Singaporean Lee startedoff by scoring on an impressive side suplex in the first round,followed by various submission attempts while Tkhorevska waspreoccupied with defense. In the second round, Lee was able to takeTkhorevska’s back, sinking in a deep rear naked choke to end thebout.
A determined Bruno Pucciof Brazil made his re-emergence in ONE Championship a successfulone by defeating previously undefeated featherweight AnthonyEngelen of the Netherlands. Pucci dominated the entire bout,scoring on two slams to take Engelen effortlessly down to the mat.In the second round, Pucci slipped a rear naked choke deep enoughto force Engelen to tap out. Pucci, overcome with emotion, clincheda long-awaited victory in round two.
Brazilian flyweight Alex Silvaalso made a successful return to the ONE Cage after more than atwo-year break to defeat RuelCatalan of the Philippines by submission. Catalan tried to usehis long reach to keep Silva from closing the distance, as Silvalooked constantly for the takedown. A scramble found Catalan in topposition as he unloaded punches, but Silva was able to reverse,quickly locking in a knee bar to seal the deal.
17-year old ChristianLee, younger brother of female strawweight standout Angela Lee,emerged victorious in his ONE Championship and professional mixedmartial arts debut, stopping game opponent David Meakof Australia to kick off ONE: SPIRIT OF CHAMPIONS. Lee got off to afast start, unloading combinations while aggressively attackingMeak who tried his best to defend. After a barrage of punches, thereferee stepped in to call a halt to the contest.
Official results for ONE: SPIRIT OF CHAMPIONS
ONE Heavyweight World Championship bout: Brandon Veradefeats Paul Cheng byKnockout at 0:26 minutes of round 1
Bantamweight bout: ReeceMcLaren defeats MarkStriegl by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 3:33 minutes ofround 3
Flyweight bout: EugeneToquero defeats Li Wei Binby TKO (Corner Stoppage) at 5:00 minutes of round 2
Women’s bantamweight bout: IrinaMazepa defeats Ana Julatonby Unanimous Decision
Women’s strawweight bout: Angela Leedefeats LenaTkhorevska by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 3:26 minutes ofround 2
Featherweight bout: Bruno Puccidefeats AnthonyEngelen by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 2:19 minutes ofround 2
Flyweight bout: Alex Silvadefeats RuelCatalan by Submission (Knee Bar) at 3:53 minutes of round 1
Featherweight bout: ChristianLee defeats David Meakby TKO (Strikes) at 0:29 minutes of round 1
In case you missed the action log on to www.oneppv.com for the fullreplay of the fights at only US $9.99.
For more updates on ONE Championship™, please visit www.onefc.comand follow Twitter and Instagram @ONEFCMMA and Facebook atwww.facebook.com/ONEFCMMA
About ONE Championship™
ONE Championship is the largest sports media property in Asianhistory. Headquartered in Singapore, the world’s most excitingmixed martial arts organization hosts the best Asian mixed martialartists and world champions, all signed to exclusive contracts, onthe largest media broadcast in Asia. ONE Championship™ haspartnered with FOX and STAR Sports for an unprecedented 10-yearcable television deal with a coverage that spans 70+ countriesacross the world.
