Lions Den Sydney based fighter Kian Pham was unsuccessful in his One Fighting Championships debut on Friday night, losing to a former BJJ Mundials Silver Medalist in Almiro Barros at One FC: Champions and Warriors.
The fight took place on the main card of One Fighting Championships – Champions & Warriors event held at Istora Senayan, Jakarta in Indonesia.
As the bout started, it didn’t take long for Barros to close the distance, rushing in for a takedown. Pham defended well as the flyweights were forced to battle for the superior position against the cage. Pham was able to reverse the position before landing a knee slightly south, inadvertently hitting Barros in the groin. As they restarted in the centre of the cage, Pham landed a nice straight right before the round ended.
Pham successfully kept the fight standing in the first round but within seconds of the second round beginning, Barros put 33 year-old Pham on his back. There though, Pham stayed calm and shortly after escaped back to his feet. Barros took the back standing straight away where he was again able to get the fight to the ground. Barros landed some short strikes as he looked to pass to side-control. In the final seconds of the round, Pham utilised the cage to get back to his feet.
Both fighters showed a sign of respect as the last round began by touching gloves. Barros immediately came forward looking to close the distance as Pham landed a nice hook. Barros stayed on the front foot and secured Pham against the cage where he was able to get the takedown. The Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black belt was able to control the fight and it wasn’t until late in the round before Pham used a leg-lock attack to get back to his feet. Pham immediately came forward with a flurry of punches as the round ended.
In the end though all three judges agreed and awarded the fight to Almiro Barros who secured a victory in his MMA debut. Pham dropped to 5-7 in his what was his debut fight in the One Fighting Championships promotion.
