Alex “Little Rock” Silva, 35, of Brazil successfully dethroned ONE Championship‘s strawweight world champion Yoshitaka “Nobita” Naito, 33, of Japan and broke the Japanese mixed martial artist’s undefeated record. Their match was the main event of “ONE: Warriors of the World” at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand on December 9, 2017.
Although Silva had the upper hand in the first three rounds, he had to overcome a spirited performance from Naito. The Brazilian challenger relying on his jiu-jiu-jitsu background and managed to defend the Japanese defending champion’s grappling advances
Olivier Coste served as the referee. After five 5-minute rounds, he raised the hand of Silva, who was declared the winner via unanimous decision.
The victory improved Silva’s professional MMA record to 7 wins and 1 loss. Naito now has 12 wins and 1 loss.
Before facing Naito, Silva submitted Hayato Suzuki, 31, of Japan via armbar at “ONE: Legends of the World” on November 10, 2017 at the Mall of Asia in Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines. It was Suzuki’s first professional MMA loss.
Silva made his professional MMA debut on September 24, 2011 at “Dare Fight Sports: Dare 2/11” at Clum Insomnia in Bangkok. He submitted Suchat “White Shark” Lukamkuha of Thailand via rear-naked choke.
On February 11, 2012, Silva made his ONE Championship debut at “ONE: Battle of Heroes” at Kelapa Gading Sports Mall in Jakarta, Indonesia. He lost via unanimous decision to Geje Eustaquio, 28, of the Philippines.
After losing to Eustaquio, Silva started his winning streak. Before defeating Suzuki in the Philippines, the Brazilian MMA fighter submitted four Filipino fighters namely Rene Catalan, Ruel Catalan, Robin Catalan and Roy Doliquez.
Rene lost to Silva on April 5, 2013 at “ONE: Kings and Champions” at the Singapore Indoor Stadium in Kallang, Singapore. After this, the latter went on hiatus for more than two years and returned on April 11, 2015 at “ONE: Spirit of Champions” at the Mall of Asia Arena where he defeated Ruel.
On March 18, 2016, Robin lost to Silva at “ONE: Union of Warriors” at the Thuwunna Indoor Stadium in Yangon, Myanmar. On February 10, 2017, the Brazilian MMA fighter defeated Doliguez at “ONE: Throne of Tigers” at the Stadium Negara in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
CONAN Daily 