'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Apart from making a big impression in ONE Championship, BJJ phenom Cole Abate said his impressive submission victory in his promotional debut last week should help pave the way for his students at the Art of Jiu-Jitsu academy back in the United States.
The 20-year-old American grappling ace defeated Japanese legend Shinya Aoki in their lightweight submission grappling showdown at ONE Fight Night 26: Lee vs. Rasulov on Dec. 6 at the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. 'Ice' showed his topnotch skills right at the onset, making his move for a finish when he found himself in a position for a leg lock at the two-minute mark of the contest and never let go, forcing a tap out from his opponent.
Trending
During the post-fight interview inside the ring with ONE analyst Mitch Chilson, Cole Abate spoke about the significance of the win, not only for his ONE journey but also to the athletes he teaches.
He said:
Get the latest updates on One Championship Rankings at Sportskeeda and more
"As most of you guys know I'm a professional athlete, but I also teach students of my own. I lead my own programs back home at Art of Jiu-Jitsu, and I know all of my young students are watching back home, so I feel like I'm kind of paving the way for those guys."
The win at ONE Fight Night 26 was a continuation of Cole Abate's eventful year, which also saw him win gold at the IBJJF No-Gi Pan-American Championships. It also solidified his standing as among the most talented submission artists in the game today.
Cole Abate earns $50,000 performance bonus for ONE Fight Night 26 win
Cole Abate was one of there fighters who earned a performance bonus at ONE Fight Night 26 on Dec. 6. He was rewarded with the incentive by ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong for his clinical finish of Shinya Aoki by way of a leg lock in their featured lightweight submission grappling showdown.
'Ice' was joined in the elite group by Muay Thai star Thongpoon PK Saenchai of Thailand, who TKO'd Thai-Australian fighter in the second round of their strawweight Muay Thai battle. It effectively halted a two-fight skid for him previously.
Also rewarded with the bonus was Abate's fellow grappling star and ONE newcomer Dante Leon, who made short work of veteran Bruno Pucci in a lightweight submission grappling showdown. He was at his clinical best, never allowing 'Puccibull' to really get his game going.
