The Inner Circle 36 Co-Main Event Result: Gonzalez Unleashes Spectacular First-Round Knockout On Exza
Having sworn he would not take a backward step, Spanish knockout merchant Xavier Gonzalez kept his word with a thunderous finish, flattening debutant Exza Wankhongohm in round one of their flyweight Muay Thai co-main event of The Inner Circle 36.
Setting the table for the main event between Numsurin Chor Ketwina and Akram “La Pepite” Hamidi, the card streamed exclusively for members at live.onefc.com in Asia primetime on Friday, October 30, from the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Embracing the spirit of Halloween, Gonzalez made his walkout in a Michael Myers mask and proved just as menacing once the bell rang, pressing forward behind hard jabs and body kicks.
Exza, making his ONE debut, was unfazed by the bright lights. He showed pristine footwork, slipping in and out of range and catching Gonzalez with counter body kicks as he exited.
That rhythm did not stay hidden for long, though, as Gonzalez quickly read the pattern in Exza’s movement, then stepped in with a right hook to the body, followed immediately by a left to the chin that sent Exza face-first to the canvas at 1:18 of round one.
The knockout was Gonzalez’s third in his last four fights and the 28th victory of his career, strengthening his push for a life-changing US$100,000 main roster contract.
Rassafi Destroys Tomyamkoong, Ranma And Superbest Victorious
After falling short in his ONE debut, Moroccan striker Yassir “Salvador” Rassafi earned his redemption with a scintillating first-round knockout of surging Tomyamkoong Bhumjaithai in bantamweight Muay Thai.
The Thai entered on a four-fight winning streak and pushed forward confidently with heavy combinations, but Rassafi stayed disciplined and kept his defenses tight. Trusting his elite boxing, the Petchsaman Gym representative perfectly timed a right hook missile that instantly separated his aggressive foe from his senses.
The highlight-reel stoppage arrived at 2:41 of round one, earning Rassafi his first promotional victory and marking the 11th victory of his professional career.
Japan’s Ranma got back on track in bantamweight kickboxing, turning back French newcomer Evan Gambuto via unanimous decision. The crucial win lifted his career record to 10-3.
Meanwhile, Thai slugger Superbest Winnermuaythai opened the subscriber-exclusive spectacle with a three-round clinic. The ONE debutant cruised to an impressive unanimous decision victory over Japan’s Raize in strawweight Muay Thai. His record now stands at 46-9.
