Waqar downs Zhao in Iron Will Main Card bout

Pakistani forces submission on Chinese opponent in less than five minutes

KARACHI: Pakistan's Waqar 'the Psycho' Umar defeated China's top-grappler Zhikang Zhao at the One Championship Iron Will Main Card bout in less than five minutes on a submission at the Impact Arena in Bangkok on Saturday night.

The 27-year-old pulled out of his best performances against an experienced fighter like Zhao, as he won the fight on rear-naked choke leaving Zhao completely immobile in the first round.

Earlier, Zhao began with a set of take-downs on the ground but Umar made sure he kept his wits escaping Zhao's grappling techniques and finally nailed on the opportunity with a choke in less than five minutes.



PHOTO COURTESY: ONEFC

Waqar thanked his teammates at Rogue Fitness and MMA Academy in Lahore whereas his manager at Prime Sports Management Rizwan Ali added that it had been the biggest day for the fighter's professional career and although Waqar faced criticism for losing the previous fights, he made a successful comeback.

Before the fight, Waqar had a record of five wins and four defeats, while Zhao had a tally of 10 wins and only three career losses.

"Finally he is back on the winning track and we'll be looking forward for the upcoming fights. This win is very encouraging not only for Waqar but also for MMA in Pakistan,” Ali told The Express Tribune. "

Meanwhile, Waqar's coach Jahanzeb Rashid said that he had executed the strategy well to win against Zhao. “The plan was force Chinese opponent to submit on the ground, and Waqar just pulled that off. It was a great fight."

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