One wouldn’t think that taking continuous punches to the head without dodging in a Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) competition is the best way to victory.
But ‘One Dragon’ Shaolin monk Yi Long thought otherwise.
Footage of the MMA-trained fighter taking hit after hit by opponent Brad Riddell resurfaced on the internet again. The clip had already made its rounds back in November 2013.
Yi Long, 30, is a Chinese amateur fighter who prides his Kung Fu style on his self-claimed “Iron Chin” and “Qigong Iron Shirt” techniques, according to CANBike.
It is no wonder he received seven full-weighted punches to his jaw, one after another, without flinching a single muscle.
His “Iron Chin” definitely withstood his opponent’s assaults causing his challenger to fatigue.
Online users have compared Long’s fighting style to that of animated character Homer Simpson, who, in one episode, chose to stand still and let his opponents fight him till they exhausted themselves.
Other comparisons were also made.
But some weren’t so convinced by the monk’s “Iron Chin”.
Soon after the several hits, Long finally retaliated, serving his exhausted opponent with a few punches and trying knee-kicks.
Unfortunately, the Shaolin monk was declared loser when the referee raised Riddell’s arms after winning by an unanimous decision.
And that is not all.
A spokesman from the Shaolin Temple released a statement that Yi Long has no affiliation with the spiritual group: “Yi Long, who was billed as the No. 1 Shaolin Kung Fu monk, is neither a Kung Fu monk of Shaolin Temple, nor could he be named as the No. 1 Shaolin Kung Fu monk at all.”
While it is apparent that Yi Long is capable of some Kung Fu skills, we think he needs to work more on his defenses.
ongymm@sph.com.sg
