Road to UFC: Topnoi Kiwram moves step closer to making history for Thailand with win in Singapore
- The 29-year-old Thai breaks down in tears after decision on Episode 3 of Road to UFC series, moving into semi-finals of flyweight tournament
- With tournament winners to receive UFC contracts, Topnoi is hoping to become first male Thai fighter in UFC history
Topnoi Kiwram moved a step closer to becoming the first male Thai fighter in the UFC after an emotional unanimous decision victory on Friday afternoon in Singapore.
The gritty win over Japan’s Yuma Horiuchi on Episode 3 of the Road to UFC series moved the 29-year-old into the semi-finals of the flyweight tournament.
With brackets in four men’s weight divisions for 32 Asian MMA prospects, the opening rounds are taking place on June 9 and June 10 over four events at Singapore Indoor Stadium, ahead of Sunday’s blockbuster UFC 275 card – the promotion’s first pay-per-view in Asia.
In an emotional post-fight speech, Topnoi thanked his Bangtao Muay Thai & MMA coaches George Hickman and Alex Schild, before breaking down in tears and kneeling on the canvas.
“With everyone in Bangtao, I thank you,” he said, speaking to UFC commentator Laura Sanko.
After dancing his way to the Octagon, Muay Thai specialist Topnoi took the first round comfortably, knocking Horiuchi down and wisely opting against following him to the ground, as he mixed in some entertaining showboating with his proficient striking.
The showmanship was soon shut down in the second round, with Horiuchi almost immediately taking the Thai down, and quickly taking his back.