Geje Eustaquio of Team Lakay Loses Via Knockout to Japanese Foe

Geje Eustaqio's journey back to the One Championship flyweight belt has hit a snag. He lost via knockout in the first minutes of his bout with Yuya Wakamatsu of Japan at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila. The Team Lakay standout was looking great during the fight until he was caught with a straight right to the chin.

Wakamatsu fought like he can't wait to fly back home. He pushed the pace and went head-hunting early. But Eustaquio's defense and counter-striking didn't allow the Japanese star to do much damage. The end of the bout came out of nowhere. For one second, Eustaquio let his defense down. Wakamatsu saw his chance and throw the straight right that sent Eustaquio crashing to the mat. He pounced for the finish. The referee saw enough and signaled and end to the bout.

After losing his flyweight belt early this year to long-time nemesis Adriano Moraes, Eustaquio bounced back with a win over Kyu Sung Kim. Wakamatsu, on the other hand, is coming off a loss to Demetrious Johnson.

Eustaquio vs. Wakamatsu is part of the undercard of One Championship: Dawn of Heroes. The card is headlined by a championship bout between Martin Nguyen (champion) and Koyomi Matsushima (challenger).