Waqar Umar Halts Zhao Zhi Kang's Rapid Rise
China’s Zhao Zhi Kang brought an experience advantage to the cage in his featherweight bout at ONE: IRON WILL, but his opponent, Pakistan’s Waqar “Psycho” Umar, brought a will to win that could not be overcome.
On Saturday, 24 March, in Bangkok, Thailand, Umar managed to submit the Chinese warrior via rear-naked choke with less than a minute remaining in the opening stanza
It was Zhao who came out on the front foot, and dominated proceedings early on. With a renowned grappling game, he opened up with a high kick, and then charged at Umar for the takedown.
Umar never stopped working for submissions, but the Chinese athlete controlled from the top with ground and pound. Still, “Psycho” would not be deterred, and just as it looked like Zhao would settle into the mount, he reversed the position.
From there, Umar was relentless. He stayed tight on his adversary, and searched for openings. He eventually settled on the back, and threatened with the choke.
His opponent’s defenses could only last so long, and the Pakistani finally locked in the rear-naked choke during the final minute of round one. He was able to force the tap at the 4:21 mark of the first round.
It was an emotional win for Umar. He captured his first victory in the promotion, over a prodigious martial artist no less, and proved he belongs on such an elite roster.
