Giannis Stoforidis Dispatches Beybulat Isaev With 31-Second KO

Giannis “Hercules” Stoforidis had a ONE Championship debut to remember.

This past Friday, 14 January, the Greek striker knocked out Russian star Beybulat Isaev with a massive left hook in 31 seconds at ONE: HEAVY HITTERS in Singapore.

By doing so, Stoforidis earned the second-fastest knockout victory in ONE Super Series history.

Both men promised to trade heavy leather in the lead-up to their ONE Super Series light heavyweight kickboxing clash – and they remained true to their words.

After a brief touch of the gloves, Isaev immediately tagged the promotional newcomer with a jab. Stoforidis replied with stinging kicks aimed at the WMC Muay Thai World Champion’s lead leg.

The Russian didn’t seem bothered by the strikes, however. He absorbed the kicks and then connected with more jab-cross combinations from close range.

Isaev reduced the tempo moments later, deciding to circle his 32-year-old opponent while teasing him with left hooks.

“Hercules” was having none of it, though, and replied with a powerful body kick that landed on the Fight Club NORD 86 star’s right arm. The Greek then unloaded two more kicks, but he directed them at Isaev’s lead leg.

As Stoforidis waited for his perfect opportunity to unload some powerful punches on his opposite number, the Russian was prompted to try and connect with some damaging shots.

However, Isaev’s eagerness to stand and bang ultimately proved to be his downfall.

The 27-year-old Russian advanced with a jab-cross combination, which Stoforidis easily blocked. And just as Isaev connected with a left hook, the Greek colossus threw a left that landed at the same time, sending both men to the canvas.

When the dust had settled, it was Isaev who couldn’t recover, and Stoforidis was declared the winner via knockout with just 31 seconds gone in the first round.

With the highlight-reel victory, “Hercules” snaps Isaev’s two-bout winning streak in The Home of Martial Arts and may have lined himself up as a contender for Roman Kryklia’s ONE Light Heavyweight Kickboxing World Title.

Read more: ONE: HEAVY HITTERS – Full Results For Every Fight