Tarzan Pulls Off a Jungle‑Style Win Against “Kong”
In a whirlwind showdown on Friday, July 13 at the ONE: PURSUIT OF POWER event, Costa Rica’s grappling king, Ariel “Tarzan” Sexton, reclaimed the fighting spirit that slipped away in his last match against Ev “E.T.” Ting.
The Early Surge
- Shimoishi charged into the cage with a surging confidence that made every knee and punch feel like a “no‑panic” performance.
- Unlike the previous fight where he’d felt the heat, this time the Japanese challenger showed nerves, or rather, the lack thereof. The match started fast, with Shimoishi pushing Sexton back and trying to boss him with raw upper‑body strength.
Tarzan’s Breakthrough
Mid‑first round, Tarzan found his groove. After a carousel of knights’‑night‑move knees, he ripped a clean uppercut into Shimoishi—down he fell, the early momentum that had been heaving had to be held back. The 36‑year‑old BJJ champ locked in a tight rear‑naked choke that rattled Shimoishi’s jaw, but the bell rang just in time, sparing them a tap that would have been spectacular.
It’s All About Tape
- Second round proved the juggling act with Judo on display: a high‑amplitude hip throw that made the crowd gasp in the Axiata Arena.
- Just as Shimoishi seemed to pick up steam, Tarzan countered with a devastating right hand, dropping “Kong” again—little finger touches the mat and the bell bade survival.
Submission Finale
At the start of the third, after a quick handshake, Sexton turned the tables—took the Japanese inside the cage, stepped over his head, and slammed a reverse triangle choke. He didn’t stop there; he added an Americana for the finishing touch. Shimoishi tapped in the name of Osaka—one of the slickest subs of the year.
The Re‑Intensification
With a record now at 12‑4, Tarzan re‑establishes himself as the heavyweight threat to the elite of the lightweight division. Grappling savant, punching dynamite, and cerebral improviser—this “Tarzan” is the kind of warrior who proves that success is a mix of blood, sweat, and a taste for dramatic battles.
