MANILA, Philippines – World Series of Fighting – Global Championship (WSOF-GC) brought the world to Philippines and the fans were thrilled with two highlight-reel knockouts and three superb submissions.
The main event ended with a thunderous knockout, as WSOF-GC World Heavyweight Champion, Russia’s Evgeny Erokhin (15-4) sent United States’ Richard Odoms (11-3) to the canvas just 1:11 into the first round. The victory marks Erokhin’s first title defense and an unprecedented 10th straight knockout victory.
In the co-main event, rising Philippines’ sensation Mario Sismundo (3-2) was derailed by China’s Keremuaili Maimaitituoheti (6-3). It was an intense see-saw battle, with Maimai capturing and keeping the upper hand in the second round with a rear-naked choke.
Other main card action saw the opening round of the WSOF-GC Flyweight Tournament. Lawrence DiGiulio (18-8-1) defeated Marcel Adur (11-5) via split decision. The other contest saw Japan’s Yusaku Nakamura (13-4-1) defeat Australia’s Tim Moore (10-6) via unanimous decision. This sets up a rematch of the class battle that DiGiulio had against Nakamura in Japan earlier this year. This rematch will be a 5-round affair for the inaugural WSOF-GC World Flyweight Championship, and is scheduled for later this year in Japan.
Also on the main card, fan-favorite and boxing superstar, Philippines’ Jujeath Nagaowa (3-0), defeated Japan’s Yuko Kiryu (2-3) via unanimous decision.
The main card started with a title fight, featuring the featherweight champion of WSOF-GC’s affiliate, Underground Battle MMA (UGB-MMA). “The Wolverine” Ahmed Mujtaba (7-0) successfully defended his title by making quick work of Philippines’ Neil Larano (2-1) with a triangle choke just 1:08 into the first round.
The night’s swing bout showcased a spirited contest between Brazil’s Nayara Hemily (4-3) against Philippines’ Jenelyn Olsim (2-1). Nayara was able to finish the fight in the second round with a rear-naked choke.
On the undercard, two fighters making their pro debuts left the Global Decagon with victories. Malaysia’s Kelvin Ong (1-0) defeated Philippines’ Jessdan Dela Pena (0-2) via TKO in the second round. United States’ Katherine Roy (1-0) defeated Singapore’s May Ooi (2-2) via unanimous decision.
The fight that stole the show though, was the exciting, hard-hitting match featuring an international rivalry. Pakistan’s Uloomi Karim (6-3) handed India’s Yadwinder Singh (5-1) his first pro loss by unanimous decision. In a very emotional, and well-deserved sign of respect for one another’s countries, the two warriors posed together with their country flags to show a unity between the two nations. It was an emotional moment and both fighters represented their countries with honor and pride. It was truly “Fight of the Night” in more ways than one.
WSOF-GC 30 Official Results
- Evgeny Erokhin (15-4) defeats Richard Odoms (11-3) via KO R1 1:11 – Referee Jetro Chungalayo
- Keremuaili Maimaitituoheti (6-3) defeats Mario Sismundo (3-2) via rear-naked choke R2 2:57 – Referee Noriel Akeysho
- Yusaka Nakamura (13-4-1) defeats Tim Moore (10-6) via UD 30-27/30-27/30-27 – Referee Chungalayo
- Jujeath Nagaowa (3-0) defeats Yuko Kiryu (2-3) via UD 30-27/30-27/30-27 – Referee Nicolas Bassig
- Lawrence DiGiulio (18-8-1) defeatus Marcel Adur (11-5) via SD 29-28/28-29/30-27 – Referee Akeysho
- Ahmed Mujtaba (7-0) defeats Neil Larano (2-1) via triangle choke R1 1:08 – Referee Akeysho
- Nayara Hemily (4-3) defeats Jenelyn Olsim (2-1) via rear-naked choke R2 3:50 – Referee Bassig
- Kelvin Ong (1-0) defeats Jessdan Dela Pena (0-2) via TKO R2 0:24 – Referee Chungalayo
- Uloomi Karim (6-3) defeats Yadwinder Singh (5-1) via UD 30-27/30-27/29-28 – Referee Bassig
- Katherine Roy (1-0) defeats May Ooi (2-2) via UD 30-27/30-27/30-27 – Referee Noriel Acquisio
World Series of Fighting Global’s ultimate mission is to bring together the best athletes from countries and organizations across the world to compete for a true, globally-recognized world champion.