- Moroccan kickboxer Zakaria El Jamari lost via first-round knockout at ONE 172.
- Japanese fighter Hyu Iwata secured the victory with a decisive left knee strike.
- The event featured four title fights and a super-fight between Takeru and Rodtang.
El Jamari entered the bout with confidence, landing early kicks to Iwata’s midsection. However, Iwata’s pressure and sharp combinations gradually pushed the Moroccan into a defensive position.
Once Iwata backed El Jamari into the corner, he capitalized on the opportunity. A quick combination of jabs forced El Jamari off balance, allowing Iwata to land a brutal left knee to the head, sealing the knockout win at 2:12 of the first round.
Moroccan Fighter Zakaria El Jamari Falls in ONE Championship Debut
El Jamari’s kickboxing debut in ONE Championship came with high expectations, but the bout was short-lived. He started strong, showcasing solid kicks and defensive awareness. However, Iwata remained aggressive, pressing forward to dictate the fight’s pace and keep El Jamari on the back foot.
The Moroccan fighter’s attempt to control distance was short-lived as Iwata closed the gap with precision. Iwata’s tactical pressure limited El Jamari’s movement, forcing him into a defensive shell. This allowed the Japanese fighter to set up his decisive knee strike.
A perfectly timed left knee ended the fight in dramatic fashion, leaving El Jamari unable to continue. The referee quickly stepped in, declaring Iwata the winner by knockout. The victory solidified Iwata’s reputation as a dangerous prospect in the flyweight division.
Despite the setback, El Jamari will look to regroup and refine his strategy for future fights. Facing a skilled and undefeated opponent in his debut was a tough challenge, but the Moroccan fighter has the potential to make a comeback.
El Jamari’s loss serves as a learning experience as he adjusts to the high-level competition in ONE Championship. With the right adjustments, he can bounce back stronger.
“Defeat is not the worst of failures. Not to have tried is the true failure.” – George Edward Woodberry
