Riku Shibuya upsets Thai former world champion Dejdamrong in Bangkok

Former ONE Strawweight World Champion Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke returned to action last Saturday night, looking to get back into title contention by taking on game Japanese stalwart and former ONE Flyweight World Title challenger Riku “The Outsider” Shibuya.

However, it was the 32-year-old Japanese veteran who came away with the impressive victory, upsetting the hometown hero.

Putting on an extraordinary grappling performance in his strawweight debut, Shibuya needed just one round to showcase his world-class skills to win by submission.

The two clashed on the main card of ONE: WARRIORS OF THE WORLD, which took place 9 December at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand. 

After just a couple of minutes of action, Shibuya took the bout to the ground, secured a deep guillotine choke, and forced the tap from the former world titleholder. The end officially came at 2:36 of round one.

Amnuaysirichoke, a three-time Lumpinee Muay Thai world champion and superstar, opened up looking to launch his vaunted kicks. The 39-year-old living legend, known to his students as “Kru Rong,” was famous for his powerful kicks throughout his decorated Muay Thai career. 

However, he has had issues when having to go to the canvas.

As Shibuya evaded Amnuaysirichoke’s thunderous kicks, the Japanese warrior looked to close the gap and take the action to the mat. But after grabbing a hold of the Thai’s neck, Shibuya found himself pulling guard, and eventually securing a tight guillotine. 

“Kru Rong” tried his best to escape, but to no avail.With the choke locked in, Shibuya patiently adjusted and squeezed tight until he felt the tap.

It was an impressive showing for Shibuya, who is no doubt looking towards the ONE Strawweight World Championship in the near future. 

The win showcased just how developed and dangerous “The Outsider” is as a martial artist, as he emerges as one of the top divisional contenders following an astonishing performance.

With the victory, Shibuya improves his record to 14-4-2.