Liam Nolan returned to the game trying to renew his marketing campaign towards the ONE light-weight Muay Thai world title after spending the previous yr away from competitors.
However, in simply 59 seconds, his path to championship gold turned even longer.
Iranian striker Abolfazl Alipourandi cracked the British star with a head kick that despatched him crashing to the canvas, prompting the referee to cease the light-weight Muay Thai battle within the first spherical at ONE Struggle Night time 31.
The Londoner was initially scheduled to face Nauzet Trujillo – the final man to defeat him – in a rematch of their February 2024 conflict. Nevertheless, the Spaniard withdrew from the competition throughout the week of the struggle.
Alipourandi stepped in to switch him on 5 days’ discover, and despite the fact that Nolan had extra expertise and a three-inch peak benefit, it in the end wouldn’t matter.
As soon as the bell rang inside Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium, the Iranian fearlessly charged ahead with wild punches and instantly put the 27-year-old on the defensive.
Nolan seemed to determine his vary with kicks, however Alipourandi continued to hurry ahead with pictures in an effort to shut the gap and clinched up with him in opposition to the ropes.
The referee introduced the 2 again to the centre of the ring, the place the Englishman once more threw some heavy kicks. Alipourandi responded with strain, as he threatened his rival with extra punches and backed him to the ropes.
However then, as Nolan dropped his left arm to brace for a physique blow, Alipourandi fooled him with a head kick that smashed the jaw and wrapped round his neck. The strike knocked out the Londoner, who fell in opposition to the ropes after which awkwardly onto the mat.
The referee was making ready to offer him the eight-count, however after noticing the Brit was struggling to rise up, he known as off the struggle on the 59-second mark of spherical one. This loss dropped Nolan’s report to 22-9.
