The Inner Circle On May 22 Results: Liu, Haggerty, Vero, Do Earn Hard-Fought Wins Over Tough-As-Nails Opposition
The Inner Circle delivered another action-packed night at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on Friday, May 22, with four compelling bouts that shook up multiple divisions leading up to the main event.
A Chinese kickboxer executed a masterclass to strengthen his case for featherweight gold, a family rivalry got its first chapter, a Myanmar sensation extended her winning streak, and a perfect finisher earned himself a life-changing contract.
Here’s what went down on the spectacle, which broadcast exclusively to subscribers on live.onefc.com, in Asia primetime this week.
Liu Shuts Down Pereira With A Perfect Game Plan
Chinese striking specialist Liu “Spirit Dragon” Mengyang delivered a disciplined, tactical performance to outpoint Gabriel Pereira by unanimous decision in a featherweight kickboxing clash.
The Shunyuan Fight Club athlete executed a flawless game plan to overcome the South American warrior throughout three rounds of action.
With the win inside the Thai capital, the 23-year-old improved to 36-7 in his career and solidified himself as the next challenger for ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion Superbon.
Haggerty Outworks Anane, Claims Family Bragging Rights
British fighter Freddie Haggerty outworked French-Thai representative Yonis Anane by unanimous decision in a scrappy strawweight Muay Thai contest.
Both youngsters had their moments throughout this nine-minute battle, but the Knowlesy Academy and Team Underground representative took home the triumph on the back of relentless aggression and high kick attacks.
As a result, the 21-year-old Londoner upped his career slate to 24-5. More importantly, the younger brother of ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion Jonathan Haggerty claimed early bragging rights in what could become one of the next great family rivalries in the striking realm.
Vero Edges Kana In Closely Contested Atomweight War
In the second bout of the night, Vero “The Kayan Leopard” ground out a hard-fought unanimous decision over former K-1 Champion Kana “Krusher Queen” in a women’s atomweight kickboxing clash.
The Tiger Muay Thai athlete and the Japanese slugger traded shots at a relentless pace throughout this back-and-forth scrap. But the former’s aggression, accuracy, and volume allowed her to pip the tough-as-nails Team Aftermath athlete.
The Myanmar sensation’s fourth straight win keeps her firmly in the conversation for a shot at the ONE Women’s Atomweight Kickboxing World Title currently held by “The Queen” Phetjeeja. Her record now stands at 31-4.
Do Earns US$100,000 Contract With Clinical TKO Finish
New Zealand-Vietnam standout Viet Anh Do kept his perfect record intact against South Korean foe “Money” Kyungjung Kim in their flyweight MMA clash, which opened the show.
The Auckland MMA and Oliver MMA South Auckland martial artist smashed his way to another highlight-reel win via a right push kick TKO at the 2:17 mark of the second frame.
The 29-year-old remained flawless in his career with five finishes in as many fights and earned a life-changing US$100,000 contract, fulfilling his dream of joining the main roster of ONE Championship.
