Gonzalez Knocks Out Exza in 78 Seconds at ONE's Inner Circle 36

Xavier Gonzalez needed just 78 seconds to announce his return at The Inner Circle 36 in Bangkok on Friday, knocking out Exza Wankhongohm in the opening round of their flyweight Muay Thai co-main event at Lumpinee Stadium. The Spaniard stepped in with a right hook to the body and immediately followed with a left to the chin, sending the Thai newcomer face-first to the canvas. The finish was the perfect response to Gonzalez's split-decision loss to Thway Lin Htet in his previous outing, and it was his third knockout in his last four fights. It also marked the 28th victory of his professional career and a winning ONE Championship debut for his opponent's night turned sour, as Exza was making his first appearance for the promotion. Gonzalez's body work created the opening, and once the left hand landed there was no way back. The win keeps the Spaniard firmly in the flyweight picture and underlines his reputation as one of the division's most dangerous finishers, with his power now producing stoppages in three of his last four appearances.