ONE Fight Night 22 is underway and what a lineup the fans have in store for them on the night. With teenage sensation Smilla Sundell headlining the show, there is no shortage of talent on this stacked card. However, for this one, we will be focusing on the featured bout of the evening, Sinsamut Klinmee vs Dmitry Menshikov.
For those unaware, top Lightweight Muay Thai contenders Sinsamut Klinmee and Dmitry Menhsikov collided at ONE Fight Night 22, looking to make a case for themselves to once again challenge for the title. Ahead of the fight, there was a lot of excitement surrounding the bout, seeing as hometown hero Klinmee would be going up against a Russian destroyer in Menshikov.
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Coming into the matchup, both fighters had their say on what they thought was going to happen. With Klinmee predicting that the fight would not last three rounds, Menshikov had a similar view, calling for a finish to his name. Notably, Dmitry, who had received high praise from Anatoly Malykhin prior to the fight, believed he had the tools and the game plan to get the better of the Thai striker.
Dmitry Menshikov puts out Sinsamut Klinmee’s title hopes with vicious knees
Starting things off, many expected a lively start to the contest. On the night, it was Sinsamut Klinmee who took the initiative and came out firing right out of the gates. Chopping away at Dmitry Menshikov with leg kicks and teeps to the body, the Thai two-time title challenger made his intentions known from the get-go. That said, none of the early proceedings really affected Menshikov who came in with a clear plan.
Round 2 saw more clarity in the varying game plans of the fighters and their implementation of it. As such, Sinsamut Klinmee had a more volume-heavy approach to try to chip away at Menshikov and at the same time, keep him from getting into his rhythm. As for the Russian, the plan was reliant on capitalizing on opening to land heavy shots on his opponent and flurries to try and catch a connection on Klinmee’s chin or body.
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Although Sinsamut Klinmee was the more active fighter and landed more strikes, the power difference between him and Menshikov was apparent. Thus, there was a growing feeling that Dmitry wouldn’t need too many strikes in order to put away Klinmee. Visibly, anything Menshikov landed managed to find Sinsamut, and finding his opening in Round 3, the Russian went to town with vicious knees, downing Klinmee before throwing in a body shot for good measure to end the fight.
Fans react to Sinsamut Klinmee’s loss at ONE Fight Night 22
Naturally, the outcome is less than ideal for Sinsamut Klinmee, who was just beginning to put together a case for himself for another shot at the title. Having fallen short against the champion Regian Eersel on two separate occasions, the 28-year-old had worked hard to build himself back up. That said, the latest setback will likely affect him quite significantly.
For Dmitry Menshikov, the win sees him once again elevated to title contention against Regian Eersel. The Russian latest win now sees him at three wins on the trot and undeniable for another title shot.
Following the win, the fighter said, “I knew everything. I knew this was going to happen. I knew that he was gonna be tired after the second round, and he was gonna move forward and then before the third round, I knew that, I was gonna finish him.”
Despite many underestimating him ahead of the fight and trailing for the majority of it, the 26-year-old showed why he is such an accomplished fighter across various promotions around the world.
WOAH WHAT A COMEBACK BY DMITRY, CLEARLY DOWN 2-0 AND A ENSLAUGHT BY HIM GETS THE STOPPAGE, THOSE KNEES WERE NASTY #ONEFightNight22
— Jackson New (@JacksonNew33069) May 4, 2024
Many ONE Championship fans wrote off Dmitry Menshikov after losing his debut against Regian Eersel, but he’s bounced back with three consecutive knockout wins🔥
This finish was impressive. I need the rematch against Eersel #ONEFightNight22
— Jake Foley🇺🇸🥋 (@JFoMMATalk) May 4, 2024
WHAT A COMEBACK
Dmitry Menshikov stops Sinsamut in the third round 😳#ONEFightNight22pic.twitter.com/6hVSz1Wjvd
— COMBAT SPORTS TODAY (@CSTodayNews) May 4, 2024
Dmitry Menshikov is a problem! 🫥#ONEFightNight22 pic.twitter.com/ZdUaBHNcQ6
— Nikhil Chauhan (@nickiiciao) May 4, 2024
As for Sinsamut Klinmee, the fighter will be expected to be out of action for a long time. Having been well active in the past, his injuries from this fight along with his responsibilities as a father will likely keep him away from fighting for a while now. Whilst the setback may be untimely, it will allow Klinmee to come back reinvigorated and motivated to once again start from scratch.