Leandro Ataides stuns Michal Pasternak in unanimous decision win

The opening bout at ONE: KINGS AND CONQUERORS on Saturday, 5 August, featured a thrilling middleweight bout between Brazil’s Leandro Ataides and Poland’s Michal Pasternak.

It was clear throughout the contest that both mixed martial artists were more comfortable in their stand-up game, which may be surprising considering Ataides is a five-time BJJ World Champion, and has dangerous weapons on the ground.

However, Ataides’ training at Nova Uniao has proved to be useful, as he mixed together brilliant strikes that ultimately earned him the unanimous decision victory over Polish ADCC Champion Michal Pasternak.

Early in the first round, both fighters utilized their jabs – mostly to test distance and find openings. Only minutes later did Ataides and Pasternak begin throwing heavier shots, though none landed with enough damage to put either competitor in danger.

Towards the end of the stanza, the Brazilian’s confidence was riding high after mixing in a flying knee to scare Pasternak. It worked, as the BJJ expert proved his weapons standing up are just as dangerous as those on the ground.

In the second, Pasternak went on the attack, as the Pole looked to take advantage of his opponent’s slow start to the round by pouring on jabs and left hooks, one of which hurt Ataides.

The Brazilian, however, once again proved his versatility by using an explosive takedown to limit Pasternak’s effectiveness on his feet, ending the round with ground and pound from top position.

As the final round went on, Ataides’ confidence was gleaming. The Brazilian faked a roundhouse kick and incorporated a spinning back-fist, which hurt Pasternak. A few exchanges later, Ataides threw one last hook, which stunned his opponent and sent him stumbling to the cage.

With the unanimous decision, Ataides advances his record to 10-3, and is now riding a two-fight win streak. Pasternak, however, drops to 12-3.