ONE 168 results: Hiroyuki Tetsuka vs. Isi Fitikefu
Kicking off the ONE 168: Denver main card was a welterweight MMA clash between Hiroyuki Tetsuka and Isi Fitikefu.
Tetsuka entered the bout riding a five-fight win streak, all finishes, while Fitikefu was looking for his second career win under the ONE banner after earning a first-round submission victory over Valmir Da Silva at ONE Fight Night 9 last year.
Round 1: Fitikefu starts things off with a couple of quick strikes that Tetsuka dodges. Fitikefu is covering distance well and wobbles Tetsuka with a nice right hand that prompts Tetsuka to shoot for a desperation takedown. Tetsuka succeeds and gets into Fitikefu’s half-guard while looking for an arm triangle. Fitikefu tries to buck Tetsuka off of him but fails to do so. Tetuska briefly gets into a full guard before working his way back to half.
Fitikefu is starting to get impatient and scrambles, briefly giving up his back, but eventually works his way back up and escapes. Tetsuka swings wildly with the right hand and nearly pays for it. That encourages him to go for another takedown attempt, but Fitikefu sprawls and stays upright. Three-punch combo from Fitikefu partially lands. Fitikefu is landing with the jab as Tetsuka struggles to close the distance.
The round ends with Tetsuka rushing in and looking to land a looping left, but Fitikefu sees it coming a mile away.
Round 2: Fitikefu turns the tables in the first, shooting in for his own takedown and briefly getting Tetuska to the ground with a single leg. Tetsuka pops back up, and Fitikefu opts to back away. Fitikefu comes right back with a big right hand that connects. Tetsuka clinches up and presses Fitikefu to the fence but can’t keep him there.
The two slug it out on the center of the Circle, and Fitikefu once again gets the better of the exchange, prompting Tetsuka to shoot yet again. Fitikefu stays upright and Tetsuka is taking some deep breaths halfway through the second round. Fitikefu throws a jab, but Tetsuka counters with a perfectly timed takedown and nearly secures an arm bar. Fitikefu fights out almost immediately and gets back up. Fitikefu lands a nice left hook on the break against the fence.
Tetuska goes for a labored takedown attempt, and Fitikefu makes him pay with another jab. Fitikefu attempts a double leg, but Tetsuka fends it off. Tetsuka offers a right hand right before the second round bell sounds.
Round 3: Tetsuka starts the round with a double leg that gets Fitikefu down to the mat momentarily. Fitikefu pops back up, breaks the grip, and goes chest-to-chest with Tetsuka against the fence. Tetsuka drops down for a single leg, but Fitikefu turns the tables again and drags down his opponent.
Fitikefu stays in control throughout the remainder of the round, holding position and dragging Tetsuka back down to the ground at will every time the Japanese standout musters the energy to get back up.
ONE 168: Denver - Hiroyuki Tetsuka vs. Isi Fitikefu Official Result
Though it wasn’t the finish he was looking for, Isi Fitikefu delivered a dominant showing throughout the 15-minute affair, securing his second win in ONE Championship and moving to 9-1 in his mixed martial arts career.
Meanwhile, Hiroyuki Tetsuki saw his five-fight win streak snapped, dropping him to 14-5 overall.
Official Result: Isi Fitikefu defeated Hiroyuki Tetsuka via unanimous decision (welterweight - MMA)