World Lethwei Championship, the world’s largest bareknuckle fighting organization, hosted WLC: KING OF NINE LIMBS on August 2 in Mandalay, Myanmar.
In the main event, Dave Leduc cemented himself as the king of nine limbs by knocking out Seth Baczynski to become the inaugural Cruiserweight World Lethwei Champion. Fans at the sold-out stadium in Mandalar Thiri Indoor Stadium were on their feet as Dave Leduc demonstrated the full assortment of Lethwei striking techniques, and Baczynski suffered three knockouts in the second round, resulting in a knockout victory.
In the co-main event, Ukraine’s Sasha Moisa took the fight to the former Light Middleweight World Lethwei Champion Artur Saladiak, swarming him in the first round. His precise right hands were the keys to victory as it reeled Saladiak on several occasions, winning a unanimous decision victory.
In other action, Souris Manfredi became the first winner in the newly created women’s division by constantly gaining the upper hand against Eh Yanut en route to a unanimous decision.
The event streamed on UFC Fight Pass
Results:
Dave Leduc defeats Seth Baczynski via knockout in round 2 to become the Cruiserweight World Lethwei Champion
Sasha Moisa defeats Artur Saladiak via unanimous decision to become the Light Middleweight World Lethwei Champion
Souris Manfredi defeat Eh Yanut via unanimous decision
Nguyen Tran Duy Nhat defeats Izat Zaki via unanimous decision
Hein Tun Aung defeats Linn Htet Aung via unanimous decision
Aung Paing defeats Paing Thet Aung via unanimous decision
Saw Lin Lin defeats Saw El Kaluu via split decision
Lethwei is a full-contact combat sport from Myanmar that uses stand-up striking with no gloves but just wraps and tape, along with various clinching techniques. In Lethwei, the use of headbutt is encouraged, leading it be called “The Art of 9 Limbs” – both hands, both elbows, both feet/shins, both knees, and the head. In 2016, World Lethwei Championship created using an evolved rule-set, adding judging criteria in the absence of a KO, and removing the 2 minute KO recovery, among other changes.
