Rika “Tinydoll” Ishige vs. Angelie Sabanal: A Bang‑Bang Battle at ONE
When you step into a PROFESSIONAL MMA arena, there’s no room for slack. The same rule holds in the bustling ONE: IRON WILL arena in Bangkok, where 28‑year‑old Rika “Tinydoll” Ishige faced off against a fresh‑to‑ONE combatant, Angelie Sabanal, a Muay Thai silver medalist from the Philippines.
First Rounds: The Sweet, Bitter Exchange
- Round 1: Both fighters jabbed, kicked, and took some heat in the center of the cage. Ishige, showing her usual grit, pressed forward, while Sabanal kept her feet spread and counter‑boxed with a sly smile.
- Round 2: The Filipina turned the house into her playing field, dollying around the cage while Ishige struggled to lock her down. No pinning shots? No takedowns? Sabanal was the reigning dance champion.
- Round 3: The clinch stole the spotlight. Inside those tight embraces, the two chased each other with knees. Coach “Tinydoll” urged her to grab the floor, but every takedown sank into a well‑crafted defense, and Sabanal popped back with the grace of a ballerina.
Why “Tinydoll” Fell Short
In addition to the angsty cardio battle, Ishige’s striking faced a storm. While she could stay “on the feet” and hold her own, the Philippine debut had her landing sharper combinations throughout the night. The Thai fighter’s grappling game, which she’d shone in past fights, came good but never truly had enough momentum to win the fight.
Victory for Sabanal & Lessons Learned
The judges offered a unanimous decision to Angelie, a stunning debut that sent shockwaves through the ONE roster. Meanwhile, Ishige’s experience shines: she showed resilience, fought like a veteran, and learned that keeping the stance fluid is as vital as any takedown. She’s not out—just in an inside‑grip game now, fully aware that street‑smart strikes and dynamic footwork are her next missions.
In short, it was a high‑energy bout that reminded us all: you can’t fall back when your opponents step up. Ishige’s dish — bold, stout, but still a little “Tinydoll” — gets the recognition it deserves, and Sabanal’s triumph hints at a rising superstar that’s just getting underway.
