ONE Championship: Shanghai, Ben Askren Retains Welterweight World Championship dominates Zebaztian Kadestam

ONE Championship(ONE), sent shockwaves throughout the crowd at the 15,000-seater Shanghai Oriental Sports Center in Shanghai, China with an exciting evening of world-class martial arts action

ONE CHAMPIONSHIP: SHANGHAI showcased a series of compelling bouts, punctuated by a thrilling headliner that left fans on the edge of their seats. In the main event, Ben “Funky” Askren of the United States retained the ONE Welterweight World Championship, defeating Zebaztian "The Bandit" Kadestam of Sweden.

In the main event of ONE CHAMPIONSHIP: SHANGHAI, reigning ONE Welterweight World Champion and one of the best martial artists in the world pound-for-pound, Ben “Funky” Askren of the United States easily took care of Zebaztian "The Bandit" Kadestam of Sweden, taking his younger foe down to the mat at will with his world-class wrestling and finishing him with a volley of punches. On the mat, the former US Olympian effortlessly secured a mount position and relentlessly pounded on the Swedish striker to compel veteran referee Yuji Shimada to halt the action in the second round.

I really had a wonderful time in Shanghai. Thanks for having me. It’s an honor to be here. To everyone who is watching from all around the world, thank you guys so much, it means the world to me.

Ben Askren, ONE Welterweight World Champion

I am ready for anyone in the world who wants to step up to the plate and challenge me for my title.

In the co-main event of the evening, Chinese flyweight prospect Ma Hao Bin returned to the ONE Championship cage against compatriot Hexigetu, and his performance certainly did not disappoint. Known by the moniker “The Southern Eagle,” Ma once again proved his mettle on the ground with another technical grappling showcase, converting several takedown attempts, ultimately winning by guillotine choke with ten seconds remaining in the second round.

Official results for ONE CHAMPIONSHIP: SHANGHAI

• ONE Welterweight World Championship bout: Ben Askren defeats Zebaztian Kadestam by TKO (Strikes)  at 4:09 minutes of round 2
• Flyweight bout: Ma Hao Bin defeats Hexigetu by Submission (Guillotine Choke) at 4:50 minutes of round 2
• Lightweight bout: Amir Khan defeats Jaroslav Jartim by TKO (Strikes) at 3:46 minutes of round 1
• Strawweight bout: Xu Chun Yan defeats Eh Ya Nut by Unanimous Decision (UD) after 3 rounds
• Featherweight bout: Tetsuya Yamada defeats Kyle Rozewski by Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) at 1:55 minutes of round 1
• Featherweight bout: Sagetdao Petpayathai defeats Mahmoud Mohamed by TKO (Strikes) at 1:41 minutes of round 1
• Strawweight bout: Miao Jie defeats Mona Samir by Submission (Armbar) at 0:49 minutes of round 1
• Lightweight bout: Zhang Ze Hao defeats Li Cheng Chao by TKO (Strikes) at 2:53 minutes of round 3
• Featherweight bout: Xie Chao defeats Marc Marcellinus by Submission (Kimura) at 1:28 minutes of round 1

In case you missed the action log on to www.onefc.com/livestream for the full replay of the fights at only US $9.99.