The Inner Circle 24 Main Event Result: Elbek Alyshov Stuns Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu, Seizes Bantamweight MMA Gold
Undefeated Azerbaijani-Russian powerhouse Elbek Alyshov delivered a historic performance in the main event of The Inner Circle 24, stopping “The Tormentor” Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu to become the new ONE Bantamweight MMA World Champion.
Their blockbuster showdown headlined the explosive Asia primetime card, which was broadcast live and exclusively to subscribers on live.onefc.com from Bangkok’s legendary Lumpinee Stadium on Friday, July 31.
The 27-year-old arrived at this showdown extremely confident that he had the tools needed to dethrone the divisional king, and he backed up his talk as soon as the clash got underway.
Alyshov diffused Baatarkhuu’s grappling threat early, driving through a double-leg takedown before searching for a dominant position on the canvas. From there, the Team Chingiz Allazov athlete used his judo skills to keep the 37-year-old at bay.
Baatarkhuu, however, found an exit soon. He scrambled free as action returned to the feet, but only to receive a powerful short elbow from the challenger when the two traded inside the pocket. Still, the Mongolian veteran managed to land a short elbow while they scrambled in the clinch.
“The Tormentor” soon unleashed his trademark spinning kick, but it only glanced off its target as both men continued trading from close range before the end of round one. Round two started similarly, but this time, the Azerbaijani-Russian star made sure there was a more definitive ending.
Alyshov immediately attacked with a single-leg takedown, but the 37-year-old attempted to isolate his arm for a kimura. The Team Chingiz Allazov star escaped the danger, and they resumed business on the feet.
Baatarkhuu then connected with a high kick, but Alyshov answered with two consecutive right uppercuts that sent the defending king crashing to the canvas. He followed with two more ground strikes, forcing the referee to stop the contest at 2:52 of the second round.
With the emphatic TKO victory, Alyshov claimed the ONE Bantamweight MMA World Championship, extended his perfect record to 11-0 with 10 finishes, and earned a US$50,000 performance bonus from ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong.
