Liam Nolan made his awaited return to ONE Championship competition, seeking to resume his pursuit of the lightweight Muay Thai world title after a year away from the sport.
However, his comeback was cut short in dramatic fashion, lasting only 59 seconds.
Iranian fighter Abolfazl Alipourandi delivered a devastating head kick that sent the British star crashing to the canvas. The blow prompted the referee to immediately wave off the lightweight Muay Thai contest during the first round of ONE Fight Night 31.
Nolan was originally scheduled for a rematch against Nauzet Trujillo, the last fighter to defeat him, following their bout in February 2024. However, Trujillo was forced to withdraw from the planned rematch just days before the fight.
Alipourandi stepped in on five days` notice. Despite Nolan holding an experience advantage and a three-inch height difference, these factors ultimately did not play a decisive role in the outcome.
From the opening bell inside Bangkok`s Lumpinee Stadium, the Iranian fighter aggressively advanced, launching wild punches that immediately put the 27-year-old Briton on the defensive.
Nolan attempted to establish distance using kicks, but Alipourandi persistently moved forward with strikes, aiming to close the gap, eventually clinching against the ropes.
After the referee separated them and reset the action in the center of the ring, Nolan threw some heavy kicks. Alipourandi responded by maintaining pressure, threatening with more punches and backing Nolan towards the ropes again.
It was then, as Nolan momentarily dropped his left arm to anticipate a potential body shot, that Alipourandi seized the opportunity. He threw a deceptive head kick that connected squarely, smashing Nolan`s jaw and wrapping around his neck. The powerful strike knocked out the Londoner, who slumped against the ropes before falling awkwardly to the mat.
The referee began to initiate an eight-count, but upon seeing that Nolan was struggling significantly to recover or stand, he swiftly called a halt to the contest at the 59-second mark of the first round. This defeat brings Liam Nolan`s professional record to 22 wins and 9 losses.
