Lyndon Knowles` first appearance in ONE Championship ended abruptly as Roman Kryklia achieved a decisive knockout win at ONE Fight Night 30.
Knowles, a decorated three-time WBC Muay Thai World Champion, aimed to bring the ONE Heavyweight Muay Thai world title back to the UK from Bangkok`s Lumpinee Stadium. However, Kryklia, the reigning two-sport champion, had different plans.
Midway through the first round, Kryklia stunned Knowles with a jab-cross combination, followed by a knee strike and a final left hook that sent him to the canvas.
Although Knowles initially beat the count, he was knocked down again by two head kicks and another left hook.
Knowles managed to stand up a second time, but Kryklia finished the fight decisively with a jab and a right hand combination.
This first-round knockout allowed Kryklia to defend his title, improve his record to 51-7, and earn a $50,000 performance bonus for the impressive finish.
Despite Knowles` defeat in his ONE Championship debut, three other fighters from Team UK celebrated victories in Thailand.
Nico Carrillo made a successful comeback in ONE Championship`s featherweight Muay Thai division, defeating Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong, an eight-time Muay Thai and Kickboxing World Champion, by knockout to the body.
George Jarvis secured a victory in a rematch against Mouhcine Chafi, and Paul Elliott achieved a TKO win over previously undefeated Japanese prospect Ryugo Takeuchi.
Marcus Bellamy