Smit Byan was not in the mood for a warm welcome.
The Warrior’s Cove MMA export spoiled Will Drewitt’s ONE Championship debut in the third round of the ONE Friday Fights 72 lightweight showcase at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand on Friday. Two of the ringside judges had their scorecards down to Biyan (2-1, 1-1 ONE), who bounced back from a technical knockout loss to Matheus Pereira on Nov. 23.
Drewitt (0-1, ONE 0-1) utilized takedowns and top control but was unable to translate those efforts into meaningful damage. Biyan attacked with elbows from his back and a variety of submissions. He was most effective in the second round, threatening Drewitt with an arm triangle and a kimura that undoubtedly caught the attention of the points earners. Biyan conceded a takedown within the opening 20 seconds of the third round, but fought back with elbows from Mission Control and was able to dodge the occasional bullet fired his way.
In other bouts, Kongsuk Fairtex defeated Joachim Oulagie by unanimous decision in the 135.4-pound catchweight Muay Thai main event; Theptaksin Saw Sornsin defeated Jerte Blomaat by unanimous decision in the 126-pound catchweight Muay Thai co-main event; Penter SP’s Kangsart Paeminbury narrowly defeated Thongsiam Lukjaoporongtom by split decision in a 142-pound catchweight Muay Thai bout; Petnamkhon Mongkolphet defeated Rukwan Sujeevameekiew by punches 2 minutes, 48 seconds into the first round of a 122-pound catchweight Muay Thai bout; and Muanglao Kiattonyot defeated Songpandin Cho Kaewweeset by unanimous decision in a 128-pound catchweight Muay Thai bout. Alex Roberts suffered a match-ending leg injury 33 seconds into the first round in his light heavyweight Muay Thai bout against Beyblat Isayev. Freddie Haggerty knocked out Kaichon Sor Incharoenkarnchang with a powerful right cross 2 minutes 59 seconds into the first round in their strawweight Muay Thai bout. Patakning Sinbi Muay Thai defeated Majid Karimi by unanimous decision in a three-round 122-pound catchweight Muay Thai bout. Akif Gulzada defeated Harut Yasumoto by unanimous decision in a 128-pound catchweight kickboxing bout. Craig Hutchison tapped out Banpot Lertyson with an armbar at 1 minute 57 seconds into their lightweight submission grappling bout.
