Janet Todd Stops Ekaterina Vandaryeva With Highlight-Reel Head Kick
Janet “JT” Todd sent shockwaves throughout the world-famous Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, Japan on Sunday, 13 October.
The American knocked out Ekaterina “Barbie” Vandaryeva with a magnificent head kick in the second round of their women’s atomweight Muay Thai clash at ONE: CENTURY PART I.
Despite having a reach disadvantage, Todd came out guns blazing in the opening stanza. Vandaryeva replied with a series of strikes, which included a spinning back fist and a spinning back kick.
However, the California native was able to frustrate the Kick Fighter Gym representative by entering her pocket, landing strikes, and then quickly exiting.
In round two, both atomweight Muay Thai specialists were looking for the knockout. However, the 33-year-old American started to influence the contest, keeping her opponent from Belarus at bay.
As the match progressed, Todd’s confidence rose, and she unsettled Vandaryeva every time the three-time Muay Thai World Champion tried to up her tempo.
At the midway point of the round – just as “Barbie” tried to take control – “JT” feinted with a jab and then landed an elbow, all while simultaneously slipping her opponent’s elbow.
Both athletes continued to look for openings. The Belarusian tried to connect with spinning strikes, whereas Todd kept it basic with one-twos. The California resident also entered the clinch in an effort to land some knees, but the referee separated them.
Once the match resumed, Todd had her sights set on a simple, yet effective, winning formula. She advanced with fast-paced one-twos to counter the low kicks of her opponent.
The American stuck to her plan and threw a jab-cross. She went to throw another, but this time, she faked and went high with a head kick.
Her foot landed on Vandaryeva’s chin and instantly crumpled her to the canvas. “Barbie” failed to answer Atsushi Onari’s eight-count, which gave Todd the victory at the 2:29 mark of round two.
The win pushed the striking record of “JT” to an impressive 35-11-0 and made her a possible contender for Stamp Fairtex’s ONE Atomweight Kickboxing and Muay Thai World Titles.
