Yamada’s Sweet KO: The “MMA Fantasista” Takes the Spotlight
On Friday, May 29th, Tetsuya Yamada rolled out a performance that had everyone in Yangon buzzing. With the main event at ONE’s SPIRIT OF A WARRIOR, the sold‑out crowd at the Thuwunna Indoor Stadium witnessed a second‑round doctor’s stoppage—cleaner than a bowl of rice noodles at lunch.
Two Fighters, One Goal
- Yamada was fresh from a win over Eric Kelly earlier in the year, craving momentum.
- Brazilian Rafael Nunes, hailing from Nova União, had the same hunger after knocking out Kelly.
Round One: The Grappling Puzzle
Nunes started with a strong footwork plan, looking to land a takedown before Yamada could shell out. But our Japanese star brought the clinch game to a whole new level—think of a dogfight in a boxing ring. Nunes managed to get on the ground a few times, even rolling into a slick kimura routine, but Yamada’s defense was a tough nut to crack.
In a dramatic moment, Yamada pulled off a leg‑scissor choke while controlling the fight, yet Nunes bounced back to momentarily slip into a full mount just before the bell tolled. Round one ended with nothing but tension and a handful of warnings.
Round Two: Yamada’s Masterclass
With the champion on his feet, Yamada didn’t waste any time—he executed a takedown, immediately transitioning to the top and peppered Nunes with sharp strikes. The Brazilian fighter, known for his black belt BJJ prowess, tried swapping positions, turning the grappling count into a chess match.
At the right moment, Yamada seized top control and flung a razor‑sharp left elbow with the precision of a surgeon’s scalpel. Nunes couldn’t find a way out, prompting referee Kemp Chang to flag for a doctor’s assessment when the lay‑off looked serious.
Just 55 seconds before the round deadline, it was clear—Yamada had turned a minor bruise into a career‑defining blow, and the fight ended with a doctor’s stoppage.
Result Shake‑up
- Yamada’s record now sits at 26‑6‑2, marking his second straight win.
- Nunes falls to 11‑2, showing he’s still building his legacy.
To sum it up, if you’re looking for high‑octane, tactical brawls, this bout had it all—grip, strikes, and a pinch of drama that makes way for another legendary chapter in the annals of ONE Championship.
