MMA: Askren retains belt, Agilan proves he has guts

In the co-main event, the former US Olympian took his younger opponent down to the mat with his world-class wrestling and finished him with an arm triangle choke at 2:20 minutes of the first round.

Although Agilan didn’t get the belt, but the former MIMMA champion has certainly proved that he has the guts to face one of the world’s best mixed martial artist.

In the post-fight interview, Askren admired Agilan’s courage for seizing the opportunity of a title shot when it came to him.

“We got this guy Vitaly Bigdash, he agreed to fight me, then he decided ‘well that’s going to be a bad idea’ and he decided he didn’t want to do that anymore.

“Now, Agilan saw an opportunity, he took his opportunity. Bigdash, he ran around like a chicken,” said the former US Olympian and Bellator champion.

“Agilan (Thani) has a great story, he’s a young kid, and this is not the last time we’re going to see him,” he added.

Meanwhile, in the main event, reigning ONE women’s atomweight world champion Angela Lee overcame a spirited performance from her Brazilian challenger Istela Nunes to win via submission in round two.

During the fight, Nunes managed to escape Lee’s twister submission in the first round.

But in the second round, Lee went right back to work on the ground, finishing Nunes with an anaconda choke to retain her world title.

ONE: Dynasty of Heroes was held at the Singapore Indoor Stadium in Singapore.

ONE Women’s Atomweight World Championship bout: Angela Lee defeats Istela Nunes by Submission (Anaconda Choke) at 2:18 minutes of round 2

ONE Welterweight World Championship bout: Ben Askren defeats Agilan Thani by Submission (Arm Triangle Choke) at 2:20 minutes of round 1

Welterweight bout: Zebaztian Kadestam defeats Luis Santos by Knockout at 2:18 minutes of round 3

ONE Grappling Super-Match bout: Garry Tonon defeats Shinya Aoki by Submission (Heel Hook) at 7:47 minutes

Strawweight bout: Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke defeats Adrian Matheis by Knockout at 4:26 minutes of round 1

Flyweight bout: Geje Eustaquio defeats Anatpong Bunrad by Split Decision (SD) after 3 rounds

Lightweight bout: Amir Khan defeats Rajinder Singh Meena by TKO (Strikes) at 1:29 minutes of round 1

Women’s Strawweight bout: Tiffany Teo defeats Rebecca Heintzman-Rozewski by Unanimous Decision (UD) after 3 rounds

Women’s Atomweight bout: Rika Ishige defeats Nita Dea by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 2:39 minutes of round 1