Kritsada Kongsrichai DQed after review by ONE officials
Chatri Sityodtong: “as the leader of ONE Championship, I am here to ensure that safety is the #1 priority at all times for all of our athletes.”
The top of the prelim card at ONE Championship: Iron Will on Saturday, in Bangkok, Thailand was Kritsada Kongsrichai vs. Robin Catalan. The fight was originally called a TKO via Slam and 1:40 of Round. However, upon review the bout result was overturned, and Kongsrichai was disqualified.
Owner Chatri Sityodtong, on his social network.
Here is the end of the strawweight bout between Kritsada Kongsrichai and Robin Catalan. The Thai's knockout win was overturned to a disqualification loss. pic.twitter.com/R1sbuwSXaO
— NISSI ICASIANO (@Nissi_Icasiano) March 25, 2018
ONE: Iron Will was full of surprises. Some of them good and some of them bad. First and foremost, congratulations to all of the athletes who competed. As always, I was super impressed with everyone’s technique and warrior spirit. Thank you for leaving your hearts and souls in the cage for the world to witness your greatness. It is truly my honor to serve you as your leader.
Unfortunately, I have to be the bearer of bad news. While I am a big fan of Kritsada Kongsrichai and his incredible athleticism, the fight against Robin Catalan has now been ruled a DQ. After careful video review of the fight under multiple angles, it has been deemed that an illegal suplex was utilized. At ONE Championship, all variations of suplexes are illegal and any attempt or intent results in an automatic disqualification. Robin Catalan will now be awarded the victory, and his win bonus. It will also be ruled a loss via DQ for Kritsada Kongsrichai and his official fight record. As a fellow lifelong martial artist, I fully understand that no athlete wants to win or lose under the cloud of a DQ. However, as the leader of ONE Championship, I am here to ensure that safety is the #1 priority at all times for all of our athletes.
On a related note, our officials, referees, and judges are truly the best in the world. Since 2011, they have been the guardians of the integrity and safety of ONE Championship. And they have done a fantastic, world-class job. I am truly thankful for all of their hard work, excellence, and commitment. ONE Championship would not be where it is today without the incredible team of officials, referees, and judges. Even though I personally disagreed with a couple of the decisions for the 1st time in history last night, I know that our officials, referees, and judges always do their best.
My journey with ONE Championship has been full of so many ups and downs, but I will not rest until ONE becomes the most valuable sports media property on Earth. The entire world deserves to witness the greatness of our athletes, to hear their incredible life stories, and to celebrate authentic martial arts and its deep-rooted values of integrity, humility, honor, respect, courage, discipline, and compassion.
ONE Championship is the Home of Martial Arts. OSS!!!
Although the step was unusual, ONE vice president of operations Matt Hume is the most knowledgeable person on Earth about mixed martial arts and doubtless was part of the review process. And as Chatri himself noted, the #1 priority is fighter safety.
