One championship 168 hit Denver and it was brutal.
Many of the fighters trained for weeks here in Denver to get their bodies conditioned to the altitude. With such a stacked card. Many were here to see if Jonathan Haggerty would be able to keep his title. Many anticipated this rematch between the current bantamweight champion Jonathan Haggerty & his opponent Superlek. But Just within 49 seconds into the first round, Haggerty took an aggressive approach but could not recover after a hard right elbow from Superlek making him the new bantamweight Muay Thai world champion!
Another hot ticket on the Muay Thai match was between Seksan & Liam Harrison. It didn’t take much but Seksan defeated Liam Harrison in round 2 with a TKO at 1:49
MMA bout: Shamil Erdogan def. Aung La N Sang by TKO in round 2, 2:48
Muay Thai bout: John Lineker def. Asa Ten Pow by KO round 2, 2:50
MMA bout: Victoria Souza def. Alyse Anderson by unanimous decision
MMA bout: Isi Fitikefu def. Hiroyuki Tesuka by unanimous decision
MMA bout: Adrian Lee def. Nico Cornejo by submission with a rear naked choke during round 1, 2:37
Muay Thai bout: Johan Ghazali def. Josue Cruz by KO round 1, 3:00
Muay Thai bout: Johan Estupinan def. Sean Climaco by TKO in round 2, 1:28
Former UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson, considered one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time, retired at the age of 38. Nicknamed “Mighty Mouse,” the American was the inaugural UFC flyweight champion and successfully defended the title 11 times before losing it in 2018. After a successful stint as the ONE Championship flyweight titleholder, Johnson announced his retirement during ONE 168 in Denver on Friday. His legacy as the best flyweight in MMA history is undeniable.
“They wanted me to leave the belt in here, but I ain’t doing that.”
“I came into this sport a champ and I’m leaving as a champ too.”
With a record of 25 wins, four losses, and one draw, Johnson’s career was marked by exceptional dominance. Though he left the UFC five years ago, Johnson’s legacy as the most successful flyweight in the promotion’s history remains undisputed. He holds several records, including most wins, finishes, and longest winning streak. Throughout his UFC career, Johnson competed in 14 world title fights, losing only twice. After his retirement, he was honored as the first inductee of the ONE Championship Hall of Fame. While his MMA career has concluded, Johnson plans to continue competing in grappling tournaments.
This was insane to see. Highly anticipated, many fans were there to witness this sold-out event. Big show for the ball arena and we are all happy ONE Championship chose to bring their amazing fighters back to Denver for this epic show. Don’t miss your chance to catch them the next time they are in town and keep up with where they will be next by checking out their website by clicking this link to ONE Championship
Breathtaking is the best way to describe these fights. All opponents were such true competitors, all love and respect. No drama. We were thrilled to cover such an event and to give much focus on this hidden gem that ONE brings. When its about the sport, not the hype. Much love to Easton Training Center for hosting the fighters during their training and conditioning to our Denver altitude.
Stay tuned for more from Xposer Magazine… its where you go to be scene!
Till next time
Ciao,
Bella
Photos by Teddy G
