Hong Kong’s Just MMA gets off to an explosive start with upsets, brawling rugby players and a 16-second knockout

New mixed martial arts promotion Just MMA’s inaugural Hong Kong card ended with a jaw-dropping finale after event headliner Mario “Pimba” Schembri took only 16 seconds to knock Filipino Jeff Bairon out cold on Friday evening.

The Brazilian, whose professional record now stands at 30-5, released a devastating flying knee before avoiding any ambiguity with a barrage of punches. He then took to the microphone and yelled, “I’m going for a pizza because I’m very hungry. Thanks Hong Kong!” much to the delight of the Wan Chai Southorn Stadium crowd.

“Tonight was perfect,” said the 31-year-old who fights out of Phoenix Fight Club in Hong Kong. “It felt good to be in the main event and I don’t have any scratches so I’m ready to fight again.”

Schembri – a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu – has an overwhelming percentage of wins via submission but insisted the knock out was no fluke.

“I’m a black belt and always use my jiu-jitsu, but I also always use my knee. My corner knows it and I actually told them that I’d use it today,” said Schembri, who towered over his opponent. “He’s a short guy and if you watch my videos, you’ll see I always start with my knees.”

He did, however, admit the finish came earlier than expected.

“I trained for three rounds. The truth is I didn’t want this fight to finish short, but it means I am OK to fight again in January.”