PH fighters fall in SG

American fighter Ben Askren closed out his illustrious MMA career in style on Friday night when he stopped legendary Japanese counterpart Shinya Aoki in the first round to retain the ONE welterweight title at the packed Singapore Indoor Stadium.

The 5-foot-10 Askren, 33, made sure he will go out on top as he took full advantage of his impressive striking skills, pounding Aoki with a barrage of solid punches that forced the referee to step in and call off the one-sided match in just 57 seconds.

““I think this is it,” said an emotional Askren, who remained spotless after 18 matches, underlining his billing as one of the most dominant welterweight fighters in the world.

“If I get the opportunity to prove I’m number one, then I’ll take the opportunity. I don’t need any more money. I just want to show the fans that I’m the best welterweight in the world. Other than that, I’m out.”

Aoki, 34, stunned by Filipino icon Eduard Folayang for the ONE lightweight crown last year, suffered his second straight technical knockout loss in a year, dropped to a 39-8 winloss record overall.

In the co-main event, hometown bet Amir Khan thrilled his compatriots by defeating Papua New Guinea native Adrian Pang via a unanimous decision in their Evolve lightweight clash.

Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt holder Leandro Issa also gained a fair share of the limelight by turning back South Korean bantamweight rival Dae Hwan Kim via a unanimous decision victory.

Meanwhile, Filipino lightweight bet Richard Corminal fell on the wayside after he was forced to tap out by comebacking French rival Arnaud LePont via an arm triangle submission at the3:16 mark of the opening round.

—JEROME LAGUNZAD