Overview
- Shozo Isojima defeated Eduard Folayang by TKO at 4:29 of the first round in the lightweight co-main event of The Inner Circle 21.
- The fight opened with heavy exchanges and both men scored knockdowns before Isojima landed a left hook that staggered Folayang and prompted the referee to stop the bout.
- Isojima entered the fight coming off two recent losses and had shifted to full-time training with the stated goal of earning an early, dominant finish to secure his place in ONE Championship.
- Folayang arrived as a three-time former ONE lightweight champion and planned to use movement and striking to neutralize takedowns, but he was unable to withstand Isojima’s power and pressure in the opening frame.
- The result boosts Isojima’s standing in the division and raises questions about Folayang’s competitive future, while the card streamed live from Lumpinee Stadium for ONE members and will shape both fighters’ paths inside the promotion.