Demetrious Johnson chokedRodtang inOne Championship 's landmark event.- The bout had great significance as it brought together an
MMA legend and a Muay Thai icon.
American fighting legend Demetrious Johnson sent Muay Thai expert Rodtang to sleep in the MMA rules round of a crossover bout Friday.
Both fighters are experts in their chosen disciplines and were brought together by One Championship boss Chatri Sityodtong for a special rules contest that swung between MMA and Muay Thai rulesets for each round.
It took place March 26 at a combat
Rodtang is renowned for his striking prowess and ability to absorb punishing blows as if they were nothing, thanks to hundreds of Muay Thai fights aged 24.
It was little surprise therefore to see him assert an authority in the opening round when the fighters needed to adhere to Muay Thai rules.
Johnson, though, survived and, in round two, was allowed to add ground game to the stand-up as MMA moves were permitted.
And so when Rodtang threw a kick, Johnson saw an opportunity to shoot for a takedown, secure his opponent's back, and worked a rear-naked choke.
As Rodtang refused to tap, Johnson sent him to sleep and released his grip when the fighter was unconscious.
After regaining his senses, Rodtang and Johnson embraced each other.
—ᴛʜᴇᴀʀᴛᴏꜰᴡᴀʀ (@TheArtOfWar6) March 26, 2022
Elsewhere in the grand finale section of the event, Adriano Moraes submitted Yuya Wakamatsu with a guillotine choke to retain the One flyweight title.
Yoshihiro Akiyama finished Shinya Aoki with punches in the second round of a Japanese MMA legends fight.
And Angela Lee submitted Stamp Fairtex with a rear-naked choke to retain her One women's atomweight title.
One Championship returns to the Singapore Indoor Stadium for a multi-discipline combat sports event April 22 with a card called "Reloaded."