Jason Ponet scores soccer kick KO over Tommy Hayden at Full Metal Dojo 15

Full Metal Dojo 15: “Come out to Play” took place at the Insanity Nightclub in Bangkok on Saturday night (Nov. 4, 2017) and saw two experienced lightweights face off in the main event.

Reigning lightweight champion Tommy Hayden’s title was on the line against Jason Ponet, who was returning to the FMD cage after a three year absence to take on the champion.

Hayden is a UFC veteran who comes from a wrestling background. He set out his stall to try and take Ponet down right from the opening bell and was relentless in pursuit of single leg or double leg takedowns.

The French fighter had clearly done his homework and was prepared for this strategy. He couldn’t prevent Hayden from taking him down but was able to work his way back up without sustaining any serious damage.

They briefly separated and Hayden shot for another takedown but this time Ponet was well prepared. He successfully evaded the champion’s attempts at a single leg and attacked with a barrage of soccer kicks.

Hayden was powerless to defend himself from the barrage and the referee quickly stepped in to save the Bangkok based American from further punishment. The win improves Ponet to 17-11-1-1 while Hayden drops to 11-4.

Here are the full results from FMD 15: “Come out to Play”

Meredith Wenrich beat Natchanokchon Pooyatorn by Decision (Unanimous) *

Akihiro Fujisawa beat Jirawat Aunjai by Submission (Arm Triangle) at 2.24 of round 1

Detchadin Srosirisuphathin beat Kushal Vyas by TKO (Punches) at 1.02 of round 1

Sunisa Srisan beat Phunsasorn Thanuthon by TKO (Punches) at 1.32 of round 2

Meas Meul beat Allen Chong by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 2.51 of round 2

Mehdi Bagheri beat Javier Trujillo by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 2.36 of round 2

Tharoth Sam beat Kaewjai Prachumwong by Submission (arm bar) at 4:47 of round 1

Jason Ponet beat Tommy Hayden by TKO (Soccer Kicks) at 3:35 of round 1

* amateur fight

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