ONE Fight Night 38 was a night to remember, not just for the newly crowned ONE flyweight submission grappling world champion Diogo Reis from Brazil, but for fans of pure grappling brilliance. The 23-year-old phenom showcased his unparalleled grappling skills in a captivating 10-minute match against Daiki Yonekura on December 5.
Known as ‘Baby Shark,’ Reis displayed relentless pressure and technical precision, outmaneuvering his opponent with ease to claim the 26 pounds of gold in the realm of martial arts. Despite Yonekura’s impressive guard retention skills, Reis stood out with his superior positional dominance and aggressive passing.
After his monumental victory, the two-time ADCC world champion took to Instagram to reflect on his performance. In a post translated from Portuguese to English, Reis shared insights into his strategic approach during the fight.
Reis explained, “How did I use this crossing the knee passage? My opponent, when he was on the ground guarding, was hard to connect with. However, when he sat down, the area of his chest became exposed, making it easier to execute the guard crossing.”
Not content with just controlling the exchanges, Reis also actively pursued the finish in each engagement, showcasing his hunger for victory. The rise of ‘Baby Shark’ in the grappling world is just beginning, and his potential seems limitless.
In a post-fight interview, Reis commented on Yonekura’s last-ditch effort to steal the win with a leg lock submission attempt just before the final bell. Despite the threat, the Brazilian managed to escape and secure the victory via unanimous decision.
Reflecting on Yonekura’s resilience, Reis stated, “I knew he was tough, which is why I was cautious of his attacks. He almost caught me with a leg lock, but I managed to defend effectively.”
For Prime Video subscribers in North America, the full replay of ONE Fight Night 38 is available on demand, allowing fans to relive the thrilling showdown between Reis and Yonekura.
As ‘Baby Shark’ continues to make waves in the grappling scene, his dedication to his craft and his unwavering determination are sure to propel him to even greater heights in the future.
Remember to stay updated on the latest One Championship Rankings and more at Sportskeeda for all the latest news and updates in the world of martial arts.
[Edited by Aziel Karthak]
