Team Lakay’s Lito “Thunder Kid” Adiwang had a stunning main roster debut at ONE: CENTURY PART I on Sunday, 13 October at the Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, Japan.
Adiwang turned out to be the lone Filipino victor in that historic event as he earned a superb first-round technical knockout win over Senzo Ikeda.
Knowing he needed an impressive performance to prove himself worthy in his debut, the 26-year-old did not disappoint.
“I’m very happy with my performance. It's very important to win because there was pressure at that time being the first [Team Lakay] athlete to compete. There are a lot of expectations from me and I made sure to give it all in that fight,” Adiwang said.
“Just like what I’ve said before, I was really determined to win that match against Ikeda. I really needed that win, especially since it was on the biggest card of ONE. I wanted to prove that I belong here.”
Known for his striking, “Thunder Kid” surprised everyone when he scored an early takedown and went for an Americana. The bout was stopped just moments later after Ikeda suffered an arm injury, giving Adiwang the win.
“I was reading his tactics because I knew he was ready to counter my strikes,” the Filipino said.
“I was looking at how he’ll react with what I’ll do. He shot for a takedown and thankfully I got the submission. I kept on telling the referees that his arm was broken, but Senzo was saying ‘no’ – that’s why it took long.”
The Baguio City native, however, was left in awe with how his 37-year-old opponent never gave up.
“He was really a warrior, his fighting spirit is something else,” Adiwang said.
“But that’s what I expected from him. I needed to put him to sleep or break something [to win].”
Excited about his performance, the Team Lakay representative announced his arrival at The Home Of Martial Arts in style and is ready to continue turning heads.
“You will always see an improving version of the ‘Thunder Kid’ each time I fight. I am aiming to get another impressive victory so I can work my way to the top and fulfill my dream to become a World Champion,” Adiwang said.
"My message to the division is, ‘There's a new kid in town. The hype is real.’"
ONE Championship returns in less than two weeks with ONE: DAWN OF VALOR on 25 October at the Istora Senayan in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Watch the show for free by downloading the ONE Super App.
