Stošić Dethrones Moeil

Darko Stošić has defeated Hatef Moeil for a second time. The Serbian won the FNC 33 main event in Zagreb by unanimous decision after five rounds, with all three judges scoring it 49-46, to take the FNC heavyweight title from the Düsseldorf-based champion.

Stošić had already stopped Moeil in his professional debut in 2015. Eleven years later, he needed the full distance but still ended Moeil’s 13-fight winning streak and unbeaten run of roughly eight and a half years.

Stošić lands the cleaner shots

Stošić started faster, used the sharper hands and attacked Moeil’s lead leg with low kicks. Moeil increased the pressure, worked for long spells in the clinch and controlled the challenger on the ground after a third-round takedown.

The more damaging strikes belonged to Stošić. He defended Moeil’s takedowns in the fourth and did the cleaner work on the feet. In the final round, left hooks repeatedly knocked Moeil off balance before Stošić denied another takedown and added a judo throw. Moeil kept advancing despite the damage to his face, but could not change the verdict.

Moeil’s winning run ends

Stošić improves to 24-8 and owns the FNC heavyweight belt after falling short in an earlier title challenge. Moeil drops to 17-5. His first title defence became his first defeat in roughly eight and a half years.

Their history supplies a clear case for a third fight, but an immediate trilogy is not the only sporting option. Stošić now has several options as champion, while Moeil must show how he responds to losing both the belt and his long winning streak.

CS.C covered the history behind the rematch in Moeil’s Eleven-Year Rematch.