Asian MMA

Andrew Leone replaces Urushitani, faces Shinichi Kojima in ONE FC’s return to Jakarta

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It looks like the inaugural ONE FC Flyweight champion will not be crowned anytime soon. On Friday, SamuraiLife.net brought word of a change in the main event of ONE FC’s return to Jakarta, Indonesia on September 13th. A 125-lbs title bout between Yasuhiro Urushitani (20-6-6) and Shinichi Kojima was originally slated to headline the event, but it looks like that will not happen anymore.

Andrew Leone replaces Urushitani, faces Shinichi Kojima in ONE FC’s return to Jakarta

According to the report, Urushitani had been scratched from the card and replaced by top contender, Andrew Leone. The American will undoubtedly be the happiest of the lot because after all, he did call out Kojima in his post-fight victory speech at ONE FC 9: Rise to Power.

MMASucka.com recently confirmed the change in personnel with ONE FC CEO & Founder Victor Cui, although Cui did not release any more details regarding the shuffle.

It still remains to be seen if Kojima vs. Leone will serve as the headliner of the fight card, but rest assured since this is a non-title bout, it will be 3 rounds of 5 minutes.

Andrew Leone (6-2) of Phuket Top Team is a formidable grappler, evident in his win over Geje Eustaquio in May where he showcased his prowess on the canvas in a one-sided victory. He fought in ROAD FC prior to his switch to the Singapore-based promotion, and has been tapped by many as a future champion in the promotion.

Shinichi Kojima (13-5-5), in the meantime, is a Shooto veteran who has fought primarily in Japan. His last fight, which came at ONE FC 7: Return of Warriors, was just his second outside the country as he weathered an early storm against Rey Docygen before submitting him via Guillotine choke.

Both fighters share a 1-0 record under the ONE FC banner.

Keep it locked to MMASucka.com for more news and updates regarding this event.

As it stands, here’s the updated fight card:

  • Andrew Leone vs. Shinichi Kojima
  • Vincent Majid vs. Eugenio Tan
  • Stefer Rahardian vs. Raymond Tan

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Follow Thinesh on Twitter (@ThineshJohnMMA), and keep up with the latest MMA news from MMASucka via Twitter (@MMASucka) and Facebook

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20, Asian MMA enthusiast in Singapore.

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