6 Sensational Submissions From The Stars Of ONE: ROOTS OF HONOR

ONE: ROOTS OF HONOR is stacked with hard-hitting knockout artists, but many of them are just as dangerous when they grapple.

Many of the mixed martial artists on the card at The Mall Of Asia Arena next Friday, 12 April can secure a submission at any moment.

Here are six of the finest tapout victories from the heroes that will compete in Manila, Philippines.

Nguyen’s Opportunist Submission

Martin “The Situ-Asian” Nguyen’s most famous weapon is his bout-ending overhand right, but the Vietnamese-Australian will be the first to tell you that it is not his specialty.

The ONE Featherweight Word Champion is a brilliant grappler, and he showed that in his thrilling first win over Christian “The Warrior” Lee at ONE: HEROES OF THE WORLD.

The featherweight stars were trading hard shots on the feet when a looping left hook dropped Lee to the mat. Nguyen followed him down, and as “The Warrior” tried to work back to his feet, he latched on to his neck.

The Singaporean did his best to defend, but “The Situ-Asian” passed his right arm all the way through to his left bicep to lock up a power guillotine that is almost impossible to escape. Lee battled to the end, but Nguyen’s crushing choke put him out.

Nguyen will aim to find any kind of finish he can when he defends his belt in the main event of ONE: ROOTS OF HONOR.

Jadambaa’s Crushing Squeeze

Narantungalag “Tungaa” Jadambaa is famous for his powerful stand-up techniques, but the Mongolian legend has also used his physical strength to become a powerhouse on the mat.

The former ONE Featherweight World Champion showcased this against Kotetsu “No Face” Boku at ONE: ASCENT TO POWER when his Japanese rival held on to his neck after a takedown.

“Tungaa” trapped Boku’s errant right arm by gripping his hands together, and then started to drive his right shoulder into his neck. “No Face” had no way to relieve the pressure as Jadambaa drove all of his weight into the attack and choked his rival out.

Jadambaa’s overwhelming attack will be key if he is to reclaim gold against Nguyen on 12 April. 

Pacio Debuts The Passion Lock

As a member of Team Lakay, you might think Joshua “The Passion” Pacio’s wushu striking would be responsible for most of his victories.

In fact, the Filipino has earned more than half of his wins – seven out of 13 – via submission. His finish of Pongsiri Mitsatit at ONE: REIGN OF KINGS is his most memorable to date.

The former ONE Strawweight World Champion was dominating his Thai rival with punches from the mount until Mitsatit turned to give up his back. From there, Pacio gladly took the opportunity to attack and, after trapping his opponent’s left arm, he committed both of his own hands to a two-on-one grip and wrenched it behind his back.

After isolating his rival’s limb, “The Passion” forced it up toward “The Smiling Assassin’s” head for a Submission Of The Year-winning victory.

After a close first contest, an innovative maneuver like that could be the difference when Pacio faces Yosuke “The Ninja” Saruta in Manila in a World Championship rematch.

Issa’s BJJ Snatches Victory From The Jaws Of Defeat

Leandro “Brodinho” Issa made quick work of Roman “Boom” Alvarez at ONE: SPIRIT OF A WARRIOR, despite being dropped by a punch in the early running.

The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Champion shot for a takedown and collected his thoughts on the mat before he reversed to top position to attack. As he passed Alvarez’s half-guard, “Brodinho” forced his left arm under “Boom’s” neck and wedged his head into his left armpit to keep tight control as he slid through to the mount.

When Alvarez tried to turn, Issa connected his left arm to his right bicep, slid off to side control to tighten his arm-triangle choke, and secured the tap.

Issa will be back in action against China’s Fu Chang Xin on 12 April.

Kelly Pounces On A Ferocious Finish

Edward “The Ferocious” Kelly and Jordan Lucas both had their chance to finish their match via submission at ONE: UNION OF WARRIORS, but the Filipino was more clinical in his attempt.

Lucas threatened with his own choke earlier in the round, but when he shot in for another takedown, Kelly defended well and quickly threaded his right arm underneath his opponent’s neck.

The Australian did not anticipate that the choke would come so quickly, and Kelly was able to lock it up without even taking back control. He cinched up his grips and squeezed with all his might to seal a stunning finish.

“The Ferocious” will need his grappling wits about him when he takes on South Korea’s Sung Jong Lee at the Mall Of Asia Arena.

Wada Sweeps Up In Quick Time

Tatsumitsu “The Sweeper” Wada’s submission technique was clinical in his second ONE outing at ONE: WARRIOR’S DREAM against Eugene Toquero.

The Filipino Muay Thai stylist came to strike with the Japanese athlete, but his eagerness to land punches led to his downfall. He swung hard with a left hook, but missed the mark and “The Sweeper” capitalized straight away.

The DEEP Flyweight World Champion jumped to his rival’s back, grabbed a seatbelt grip and hooks to take control, and then worked his right arm under the neck to claim a finish with just 52 seconds on the clock.

Wada will face Gustavo Balart in the final ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix quarter-final at the Mall Of Asia Arena, with the winner set to face Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson.