Peng Xue Wen displayed a new dimension to his game by outstriking Stefer “The Lion” Rahardian over three rounds to silence his home crowd at ONE: CONQUEST OF HEROES.
On Saturday, 22 September, the Chinese strawweight earned a unanimous decision victory inside the Jakarta Convention Center in Indonesia.
The Chinese Wrestling Silver Medalist and the ONE Jakarta Flyweight Tournament Champion both started the contest tentatively, trying to keep the bout standing.
As the crowd cheered their hero on, the athletes exchanged powerful leg kicks. Throughout the opening five minutes, Peng continued to find the most success as he stepped forward with punches.
A spinning kick by Peng was then caught by Rahardian, but the Indonesian’s takedown attempt was defended well, and they stayed on their feet as the round drew to a close.
In the second frame, the 22-year-old Chinese warrior came out aggressively as he continued to push forward with strikes.
“The Lion” shot for another takedown attempt to retaliate, but Peng again managed to defend, staying on his feet and launching a flying roundhouse kick that forced his opponent to keep his distance.
Rahardian looked to be affected by Peng’s leg kicks, and he was knocked to the ground after absorbing a powerful one towards the end of the round.
In the final stanza, Ninja MMA’s Peng continued to be the aggressor, but the 31-year-old Indonesian began to match his rival for intensity. However, the damage to his leg seemed to stop him from getting the better of their exchanges.
Rahardian couldn’t gain an advantage, and a kick was caught and countered with a flurry of punches from his opponent.
With the bout approaching its final seconds, Peng again defended takedowns with the same ease as he had throughout the contest, which frustrated Rahardian until the final bell.
After three rounds of action, all three judges agreed Peng controlled the match and awarded him the victory by unanimous decision.
His success improves his record to 6-4 and marks the start of his first winning streak in ONE Championship.
