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Hong Kong’s Yu Yau Pui earned a $100,000 ONE Championship contract after winning five consecutive matches at ONE Friday Fights in Bangkok. The 30-year-old atomweight achieved this by stopping WBC flyweight champion Zehra Dogan with a body shot TKO in the second round at Lumphini Stadium.
Training at Fortan’s KF1 Gym, Yu becomes the second fighter from Hong Kong to compete in Asian Martial Arts Promotion ONE, and the first after Cameroon-born mixed martial arts heavyweight Allan “The Panther” Ngalani. He expressed his joy on Instagram, saying, “Bravo, Hong Kong!”
During a post-match interview with commentator Mitch Chilson, Yu was awarded a $10,000 performance bonus by ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sichhotton.
“Thank you so much, Chatri-san, because this will really help me continue my fighting dream,” Yu said. “It is very difficult to maintain reality and dreams.
“But this opportunity allows me to really try to create something that’s real because it tells me that what I’ve been doing is worth it.”
ONE: Christian Lee plans to return in February to defend title
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Yu was then informed that she had been awarded a multi-fight ONE contract, and broke down in tears on the canvas in the ring.
She expressed her desire to inspire Hong Kong’s youth and be a role model for ambitious martial artists, which she didn’t have.
“I think it’s about becoming a fighter in Hong Kong.” [is tough] Because Hong Kong is not very supportive of sports,” Yu said.
“But this time, I am really happy to be the first local to participate in ONE Championship. This can really encourage other young people in Hong Kong to not give up and chase their dreams.
“I would like to thank all the Thai fans, gym, training partners, family, friends and gym students. He believed me.
“Mitch and everyone at ONE Championship have been so kind to me and made me feel like home.
“I’m very happy to be here and I’m looking forward to my future because I know this is just the beginning.”
The Turkish Dogan had some early success in the clinch, but the Hong Konger began landing takedowns late in the first round with a series of knees and elbows.
“The Octopus” then launched a series of attacks, finishing with a series of straights to the body and hooks to the head, stopping Dogan at 1:28 of the second frame, and “Devil Girl” was on her back. He turned and rolled in the corner.
The impressive stoppage improved Yu’s record to 27-2-3, making her the eighth fighter to be called up to the big show by impressing Chatri.
“I really wanted a knockout this time, so I’m very happy right now,” Yu added. “I really wanted to make a statement. I really, really wanted to be in ONE Championship. So I think I really proved myself this time.”
Yu debuted at ONE Friday Fights in February and has three finishes and two unanimous decision wins.
