Zhao Zhi Kang Delivers On Promise Of First-Round Finish

Zhao Zhi Kang ADUX7284

Zhao Zhi Kang has got his foot in the door with a sensational …

Zhao Zhi Kang has got his foot in the door with a sensational promotional debut win.TV: Check local listings for global broadcast | PPV: Official Livestream at oneppv.com

Posted by ONE Championship on Friday, November 10, 2017

Heading into his ONE Championship debut, China’s Zhao Zhi Kang predicted a first-round submission against Kun Khmer expert Thai Rithy, and that is exactly what he delivered.

In the first bout on the main card of ONE: LEGENDS OF THE WORLD from the Mall Of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines, on 10 November, Zhao needed less than three minutes to put Rithy on the mat, and finish the contest by rear-naked choke.

Cambodia’s Rithy came firing right out of the gate, and looked for a knockout on the very first exchange of the contest. However, his aggression allowed Zhao to duck under, and get a nice takedown against the cage wall.

Zhao Zhi Kang ADUX7313.jpg

The 22-year-old Zhao was relentless with his pressure, endlessly looking to advance his position before moving into the mount, as Rithy did his best to play defense from the bottom.

After flattening the Cambodian on the mat, Zhao slipped his forearm under the chin and locked in a rear-naked choke. Rithy had nowhere to go, and was forced to tap out at 2:31 of the opening round.

The Chinese featherweight moves to a 23-3 in his professional career, and make an impressive showing in his first appearance with ONE. He joins the ranks of a very deep division, and could emerge as a contender very soon.

More in News

ADCC World Champion Giancarlo Bodoni
Shadow Singha Mawynn vs Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong ONE Friday Fights 927790
Sitthicha vs. Shadow ONE Friday Fights 92 faceoffs
Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong Masaaki Noiri ONE 167 87
Tun Min Aung Abdelali Zahidi ONE Friday Fights 88 17
Kulabdam Sor Jor Piek Uthai Nabil Anane ONE Friday Fights 69 24
Japanese kickboxing superstar Kana
Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong Masaaki Noiri ONE 167 86
Panpayak Jitmuangnon Silviu Vitez ONE Friday Fights 83 22
HEATED  Rodtang And Takeru Face Off
Martin Nguyen makes his way to the ring at ONE Fight Night 7
Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong Masaaki Noiri ONE 167 41