PBP ONE Friday Fights 78: Pakcorn vs. Reis

[YSB]

Something different in the water at Lumpinee tonight. I've already seen a FOTY candidate between Detphupon and Rodbenz (whoever they are) and I think there's still a lot left to go. If you're looking for a warmup to ONE 168, you've found it.

Det got floored twice early in the first, almost losing by 3 knockdown rule. Guy's legs were bad, leaning on the ropes, he was done-zo. Then he channeled the spirit of his ancestors or some crazy shit and started fighting back, ruthlessly punishing Benz's body to bring down his hands in round 2, culminating with a stirring knockdown of his own in round 3.

Of course Benz was still blasting him too, teeing off with head kicks and catching Det's own kicks, chopping down his other leg to floor him (which was not counted as a knockdown).

I won't spoil the winner but I think they got it right.

 

[YSB]

The main event... well, damn. Pakcorn has some high-quality pelts on his horse but Fabio Reis from Portugal has the kind of power in his hands that shortens careers. A highly tactical first round and Reis is wobbled himself a few times, but then ERASES Pakcorn in the second with a sickening body shot KO.

Reis has a great story and speaks perfect English, and ONE is really hurting for more guys like that who are relatable to someone outside of Thailand. (Grappling pansies like Mikey Musumeci who spent all of high school getting dunked in the toilet do not count, I'm sorry.) Chatri gives him a bonus, but what he really should have is a contract. He will either starch someone, or get starched himself, in spectacular fashion.