Violence and Surprise at Art of War 13

Stunning. Even watching the replays – and I have many times, practically on loop – that’s my reaction to Uzbek Shukhrat Minovarov’s knockout of China’s Wu Haotian in the 18th second of their match Saturday at Art of War 13. Yes, second. Here’s what it looked like (if you can get to it) from where I sat.

If the name Wu Haotian sounds familiar, it’s because he was in the main event of May’s Art of War 12, where he was introduced by none other than Michael Buffer of “Let’s get ready to rumble” fame. Wu won in one minute and 39 seconds via knockout, adding to his unblemished record (five wins and one draw) while solidifying his status as a rising star in the Art of War series.

The script was flipped on Saturday. Referee “Big John” McCarthy had barely delivered his signature Let’s get it on! before he was waving his arms to signal for the bell. Cue the music, bring in the doctor. Wu had leaned into a devastating right cross, and the distinctly audible, resonant smack of fist on face was the sound of a man getting knocked out cold. From bell to bell, the fight lasted 21 seconds.

This was not supposed to happen. Moments before Saturday’s match, a spectator yelled in Chinese, “Wu Haotian must prevail!” In an organization full of middling fighters and anonymous up-and-comers, Wu has name recognition, which is great for organizers who’ve proclaimed on their website that Art of War is “the pioneer and leader of China’s mixed martial arts revolution.” Shukhrat’s right cross, then, did more than level a popular fighter; it must’ve sent AOW promoters reeling as well.

Wu’s loss was just part of Chinese fighters’ woes on Saturday. If two Chinese fighters hadn’t been pitted against each other in the opening match, the home team may well have left winless. Starting with the second bout, Chinese fighters lost, in succession, to fighters from Thailand, France and Mongolia. After the intermission they proceeded to lose to South Korea, Uzbekistan and, in the main event, Sweden.

Thank goodness for Dai Shuanghai, who at least fought Poland’s Marcin Pionke to a technical draw.

Somewhat of a consolation for Chinese fans, who came by the thousands and, as last time, filled Olympic Sports Center Auditorium to decent capacity, the final match was one of the evening’s best. Wang Sai battered his opponent with a flurry of kicks for a round and a half before succumbing – rather quickly and, befitting the night’s theme, shockingly – to a Claes Beverlov armbar. The Swede won via submission.

Unlike Art of War 12, which was – and I’m quoting here – under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, Art of War 13 didn’t showcase quite the star power. There was no Gracie family, well known in MMA circles for perfecting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, or ring announcer Buffer, who exudes pizzazz. But fans were treated to a brisk three-hour show – as opposed last May’s sometimes-plodding four-plus-hour event – and despite a flurry of contests that ended prematurely, there was enough action for organizers to consider the event a success.

If only the results could have been more favorable for the locals. At Art of War 12, Chinese fighters won four of six fights, and Wu posed, triumphant, in confetti and stringers.