Indian rising star Ritu Phogat advanced to the final of ONE women's atomweight grand prix after dominating Team Lakay's Jenelyn Olsim in their semifinal bout in ONE: NEXTGEN at the Singapore Indoor Stadium Friday night, Oct. 29.
Phogat will face the winner between Stamp Fairtex of Thailand and Julie Mezabarba of Brazil in another semifinal showdown.
The 27-year-old Phogat showed wrestling mastery over Olsim from the get-go, distancing herself from the start of the round before going for killer takedowns in the ensuing plays.
Phogat scored two takedowns in the first round before referee Justin Brown warned Olsim with illegal striking while down on the ground.
The Indian fighter ate up a couple of kicks from Olsim while the Team Lakay stalwart was lying on the canvas.
Phogat's huge takedown, literally lifting Olsim's whole body, in the second round made a quick turnaround for the "Indian Tigress" as she had a dominant top position.
Olsim, for her part, attempted a triangle choke but the depth still enabled Phogat to slip away and secure a comfortable distance.
The Evolve MMA wrestler also scored big time in the second round with a late barrage of punches straight to Olsim's body.
The third round became an all-out war for both fighters as Phogat threw knees to the head while on commanding side control.
In the last minute though, the 24-year-old Olsim desperately looked for another submission attempt but Phogat, who managed to scramble away once again, delivered the finishing ground and pound punishment.
Phogat improved to a 7-1 record while Olsim suffered the first loss of her ONE career with a 5-3 slate.