Harry Grech’s ONE Championship debut did not go to plan.
“Kimura” endured a torrid night at ONE Friday Fights 2 on January 27, when he was disqualified for inactivity during the third round of his contest against Arash Mardani at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
The fight was marred with periods of activity and a series of accidental fouls, as Grech struggled to impose his skillset on the Iranian wrestling standout.
The story of the first round was the leg kicks of Mardani. The 38-year-old repeatedly chopped at the lead leg of Grech as the Sydneysider showed the effects inside the first two minutes.
The pair of grappling specialists were able to negate each other’s influence in what turned out to be a standup affair.
The referee repeatedly implored both fighters to be more active as the round came to a close.
In round two, Grech appeared to be having trouble with his damaged leg and he fell back to the mat throughout the round as Mardani attempted to engage, in a bid to goad him into his guard.
The strategy was unsuccessful throughout the round and resulted in a yellow card for Grech – resulting in a 10-percent purse penalty under ONE’s ruleset.
Round three got off to a similarly sluggish start as Grech appeared visibly fatigued.
The pair continued to face off standing up, but drew another warning from the referee – and boos from the crowd – at the one minute mark as neither man seemed willing to engage in a meaningful way.
The warnings continued throughout the next minute, as Grech continued to back away while Mardani tried to throw punches. Both men were on the receiving end of a yellow card at the two minute mark.
Mardani showed some intent following the yellow, ploughing forward with some combinations. But Grech continued to back away, and it proved to be one time too many.
Finally, after three minutes the referee had seen enough. He called another halt to the action, during which he produced a red card – signalling a disqualification.
Mardani’s win was his first as a professional. The combat sports veteran improved his MMA record to 1-1 in his full ONE debut.
The loss was a disappointing one for Grech, who falls to 3-1. Perhaps the callup was a short notice one – the fight was only announced last week – which could have compromised his conditioning in the Bangkok heat.
In the main event, Kulabdam Sor. Jor. Piek Uthai made it 2-0 against Sangmanee PK.Saenchai, taking home a dominant unanimous decision win over his fellow countryman.
ONE Friday Fights 2 Full Results
- Bantamweight Muay Thai: Kulabdam Sor. Jor. Piek Uthai defeated Sangmanee PK.Saenchai via unanimous decision
- Strawweight Muay Thai: Chalamkhao PK.Saenchai defeated Pettong Kiatsongrit via unanimous decision
- Featherweight Muay Thai: Mohammed Siasarani defeated Avatar PK.Saenchai via majority decision
- Flyweight Muay Thai: Nakrob Fairtex defeated Sherzod Kabutov via unanimous decision
- Bantamweight Muay Thai: Songchainoi Kiatsongrit defeated Yoddoi Kaewsamrit via unanimous decision
- Bantamweight Muay Thai: Yodlekpet Or. Pitisak defeated Silviu Vitez vis R2 TKO
- Bantamweight Muay Thai: Pongsiri PK. Saenchai defeated Ferzan Cicek via unanimous decision
- Middleweight MMA: Arash Mardani defeated Harry Grech via DQ (inactivity)
- Flyweight Muay Thai: Elias Ghazali defeated Ayad Albadr via unanimous decision
- Atomweight Muay Thai: Marie Ruumet defeated Thai-Ngan Le via unanimous decision
- Lightweight MMA: Jakub Wayman defeated Riccardo Cantindig-Stagg via R3 TKO
