Woolis Proves His Worth Despite Loss at ONE Fight Night 43
Ben Woolis, known as “The Problem,” may have faced defeat at ONE Fight Night 43, but his performance affirmed his status among kickboxing’s elite. The 32-year-old fighter gave an impressive account of himself against former ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing Champion, Phetchanong Phetchaferghus, in the co-main event, broadcast live on Sky Sports from Lumphini Stadium in Bangkok. Despite losing by unanimous decision, Woolis pushed the decorated veteran to the limit.
Woolis, who has battled Crohn’s disease for over a decade, faced an extraordinary challenge. At one point unable to train without collapsing, competing against a former titleholder for three full rounds showcased his remarkable resilience and tenacity. Yet, Phetchanong was relentless, making Woolis work for every moment of the match.
Strategic Opening Round
In the initial round, Woolis adopted a tactical approach, advancing and landing strikes against the experienced Thai athlete. He shifted stances frequently to keep Phetchanong guessing while expertly exploiting openings. The Thai fighter, however, remained composed, using long-range kicks to control the fight’s tempo.
The intensity rose in the second round as Phetchanong pressed forward with combinations punctuated by powerful kicks. Woolis countered with calculated angles and well-timed punches, incorporating kicks aimed at both head and body. His adaptability was evident throughout the exchanges.
Petchanon’s Countering Skills Shine
As the second frame neared its conclusion, Phetchanong took control, forcing Woolis onto the defensive. Displaying strategic cunning, Phetchanong set traps by leaving his lead leg exposed. When Woolis capitalized on the perceived vulnerability, Phetchanong countered effectively, landing a kick that buckled Woolis’ knee.
In close-quarter exchanges, the veteran Thai demonstrated his superior striking skills, repeatedly landing effective blows while deftly evading Woolis’ attempts. As the fight progressed, Woolis intensified his efforts, not allowing Phetchanong any respite in the final moments of this bantamweight bout.
Unanimous Decision Favors the Veteran
In the end, the judges awarded the fight to Phetchanong, marking his record at an impressive 360 wins against 57 losses. Although this was Woolis’ first defeat in ONE Championship, it came just two months after he successfully stopped former ONE Bantamweight MMA World Champion John Lineker.
Despite the setback, Woolis demonstrated his potential as a serious contender in the bantamweight kickboxing division, proving he can compete at the highest levels of the sport.
Tang Kai Dominates Gasanov to Retain Featherweight Title
In the main event, China’s Tang Kai put forth a commanding performance against Russian challenger Shamil “The Cobra” Gasanov, successfully defending his ONE Featherweight MMA World Title. Gasanov, known for his exceptional grappling and submission proficiency, sought to leverage his wrestling skills against the reigning champion.
Despite Gasanov’s intentions, Tang skillfully thwarted nearly every takedown attempt, forcing the fight to remain standing, where he held a distinct advantage. The 30-year-old from Shaoyang consistently unleashed strikes, gradually overwhelming Gasanov with his relentless offensive strategy.
Ending the Fight in the Fourth Round
The bout concluded in the fourth round when Tang’s powerful leg kicks ultimately proved too much for Gasanov. A particularly hard kick sent the Russian fighter crashing to the canvas, and a series of hammerfists from Tang sealed the victory.
This triumph marks a significant milestone for Tang, who has become China’s first men’s mixed martial arts world champion and displayed a level of skill that suggests he will continue to be a formidable force in the sport.
Full Results from ONE Fight Night 43
– ONE Featherweight MMA World Championship: Tang Kai (c) defeated Shamil Gasanov by TKO (ground and pound) at 2:41 of round 4.
– Bantamweight Kickboxing: Phetchanong Petchafergus defeated Ben Woolis by unanimous decision.
– Bantamweight Submission Grappling: Diogo Reis defeated Yuki Takahashi by unanimous decision.
– Flyweight Muay Thai: Aslam John Ortikov defeated Jordan Estupinan by TKO (3 knockdowns) at 2:06 of the second round.
– Strawweight MMA: Fabio Enrique defeated Yosuke Saruta by TKO (ground and pound) at 0:39 of the second round.
– Bantamweight Muay Thai: Nonthachai Jitmuangnon defeated Felipe Lobo by unanimous decision.
– Bantamweight MMA: Lito Adiwang defeated Eko Roni Saputra by TKO (punches) at 0:34 of round 1.
– Featherweight Kickboxing: Luo Chao defeated Dennis Souza Jr. by split decision.
– Atomweight Muay Thai: Martina Dominchak defeated Johanna Persson by unanimous decision.
