ONE Championship's electrifying return to the Middle East with ONE 166: Qatar delivered a night of unforgettable action and historic moments. Headlined by three World Title rematches, the event showcased the pinnacle of martial arts talent from around the globe. In the main event, Anatoly Malykhin etched his name into the annals of combat sports history, while other athletes left their mark in exhilarating fashion.
Anatoly Malykhin Makes History:
In the highly anticipated main event, Anatoly Malykhin solidified his status as one of the sport's most dominant forces by capturing the ONE Middleweight MMA World Title. Facing reigning champion Reinier de Ridder, Malykhin displayed his trademark aggression and devastating power, stalking his opponent relentlessly from the opening bell. Despite De Ridder's best efforts to evade Malykhin's onslaught, the Russian powerhouse remained undeterred, unleashing a barrage of strikes that took their toll on the defending champion. As the fight progressed, Malykhin's relentless pressure and punishing body shots proved too much for De Ridder to handle. Ultimately, exhaustion forced De Ridder to remain on the canvas, prompting the referee to call a halt to the contest and crown Malykhin as the only three-division MMA World Champion in history.
Tang Kai Unifies Featherweight Title:
In the co-main event, Chinese phenom Tang Kai delivered a masterful performance to unify the ONE Featherweight MMA World Championship. Facing former titleholder Thanh Le in a tactical showdown, Tang showcased his versatility and striking prowess, weathering early offense from his opponent before seizing control of the bout. With pinpoint accuracy, Tang landed a devastating right hand midway through the third round that left Le reeling. Capitalizing on his wounded adversary, Tang unleashed a barrage of ground-and-pound to secure the technical knockout victory and cement his status as the undisputed featherweight champion.
Controversy Mars Title Rematch:
The World Title rematch between Jarred Brooks and Joshua Pacio ended in controversy, as Brooks inadvertently spiked Pacio on the head, resulting in a disqualification under the Global Mixed Martial Arts Rule Set. Despite the unfortunate conclusion, Pacio was awarded the ONE Strawweight MMA World Championship, adding another chapter to the event's drama-filled narrative.
ONE 166: Qatar delivered a spectacle of world-class martial arts action, highlighted by Anatoly Malykhin's historic achievement as the first three-division MMA World Champion. With unforgettable performances and thrilling matchups, the event showcased the unparalleled skill and athleticism of ONE Championship's elite roster. As the promotion continues to captivate audiences around the globe, fans eagerly anticipate the next chapter in the evolution of martial arts on the grand stage of ONE Championship.
ONE 166: Qatar Complete Results:
Performance bonus winners:
What are your thoughts on the results? Let us know in the comments below.
0 Comments