ONE Championship’s grappling specialists have thrilled fans with their submission prowess throughout 2019.
After a slew of incredible ground battles waged on the canvas of the ONE Circle, we take a look back at the best submission of the year.
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Earlier in March, at the promotion’s first event on Japanese soil – ONE: A NEW ERA – fans witnessed one of their own steal the show and make history in the process.
To the delight of his compatriots inside the famed Ryogoku Kokugikan, Japanese mixed martial arts icon Shinya “Tobikan Judan” Aoki reclaimed the ONE Lightweight World Title after a stunning first-round submission in the main event.
Undoubtedly one of Aoki’s finest performances, the Japanese warrior showcased absolute mastery of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and wrestling to dominate former foe Eduard “Landslide” Folayang.
In a departure from his usual high-intensity grappling onslaught, Aoki was happy to strike in the opening minute, as he swung several head kicks in an attempt to soften up Folayang.
This proved to be merely a smokescreen as Aoki soon revealed his true intentions. With the Team Lakay star backed up towards the fence, “Tobikan Judan” charged forward and expertly swept him onto the canvas.
Then he began to apply pressure from the half-guard and found the space to set up an arm-triangle.
It took just a tight squeeze from the Japanese legend to put Folayang to sleep in the first round. Just like that, Aoki was back on top of the lightweight mountain.
This victory capped a remarkable resurgence from “Tobikan Judan,” who had lost his World Title to the Filipino in November 2016.
It was also Aoki’s fourth-straight first-round finish and another milestone in his illustrious career as “The Grand Master Of Flying Submissions.”
The Home Of Martial Arts kicks off 2020 on 10 January for ONE: A NEW TOMORROW at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.
Download the ONE Super App to catch all the action live and for free.
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