MANILA – Robin “The Ilonggo” Catalan suffered a first-round stoppage defeat to Thai fighter Kritsada “Dream Man” Kongsrichai in ONE Championship Iron Fist at Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.
The veteran Kongsrichai immediately took down Catalan – a native of Iloilo City – before unleashing a two-punch combo, forcing the referee to stop the Saturday night match.
Catalan’s brother Rabin also lost to Kongsrichai via first-round technical knockout during the ONE Championship Warriors of the World card on Dec. 9 last year.
With his second consecutive MMA defeat, Catalan’s record dropped to 6-4-0, including two submission wins, while Kongsrichai’s slate improved to 7-3-0, including two stoppages.
Meanwhile another Filipino fighter, Jeremy Miado, halted his two-match skid following a knockout victory (punch) against Thai fighter Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke.
Miado, which came from losses to Robin Catalan and Thai Pongsiri Mitsatit last year, made impressive combinations in the opening round before finishing off the opponent with punches late in the period.
In other results, Filipina Angelie Sabanal made a successful MMA debut when she scored a unanimous decision win over veteran Rika Ishige of Japan, while Richard Corminal bowed to American Garry Tonon./PN
