‘I’m Taking That Belt’ – Asadula Imangazaliev Promises World Title Victory At The Inner Circle 20
· Yahoo Sports
The last time Asadula “The Dagestan Ninja” Imangazaliev stood on the precipice of global glory, the ultimate prize bitterly slipped through his fingers.
Hailed by Joe Rogan as “the best striker alive,” the undefeated 22-year-old now seeks his crowning moment against fellow unbeaten phenom Aslamjon “El Pantera” Ortikov. Their battle for the vacant ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title headlines The Inner Circle 20, which goes down live in Asia primetime from Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium on Friday, June 26, streaming exclusively for members at live.onefc.com.
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With two spotless records on the line, this matchup will determine the absolute ruler of a deeply stacked weight class. Training out of Team Mehdi Zatout and Team Chingiz Allazov, Imangazaliev has carved a perfect 12-0 path to the top, utilizing an elegantly lethal arsenal to dismantle former World Champions along the way.
However, he faces a unique challenge in Ortikov, a rival who matches his youth, limitless ambition, and the supreme confidence of an athlete who has never tasted defeat.
Completely devoid of nerves regarding his undefeated Uzbek foe, the feared knockout artist allows the immense stakes to drive his relentless preparation.
“The Dagestan Ninja” said:
“Heading into it, I can’t call this fight the toughest one yet. I treat every single fight as tough and important. I prepare myself 100 percent every time.
“If anything, it just drives me to outwork everyone. No fight stresses me out. I don’t feel pressure. On the contrary, it just pushes me to grind harder and solidify myself as the champ.”
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Ortikov has authored a parallel reign of destruction. While the Dagestani relies on flashy knockouts and a staggering 75 percent finishing rate, the 24-0 Uzbek phenom has meticulously built his flawless resume through fluid technical mastery.
With “El Pantera” standing as the sole hurdle to becoming ONE’s first Russian Muay Thai World Champion, Imangazaliev intends to showcase his undeniable superiority and prove there are absolute levels to the striking arts.
He stated:
“I think Aslamjon is a really good fighter, and it’s going to be a hell of a fight. But I’m fully confident in myself. Everyone has their own path, and I believe I’m the real champion here, and I’m taking that belt home.
“I’d say Aslamjon’s biggest strengths are his speed and his technique. As for his weaknesses, I think he doesn’t pack heavy power in his hands, and he’s never shared the [ring] with a fighter like me.”
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That unwavering self-assurance stems from a profound belief in his lethal capabilities. He views a technician of Ortikov’s caliber as the ultimate litmus test that will permanently erase any lingering doubts about his supremacy.
Propelled by that absolute certainty, the dynamic 22-year-old fully expects to leave the fabled Lumpinee Stadium ring with his perfect record intact and 26 pounds of gold resting on his shoulder.
He offered:
“I’m a fighter on a completely different level. I don’t care what he brings to the table. I’m going to execute my plan. It’s huge motivation for me to beat a fighter of his caliber. He’s undefeated, and I’m going to show the whole world my true level when I take his zero.”
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Imangazaliev Adopts A ‘Championship Or Bust’ Mentality Against Ortikov
Asadula Imangazaliev already experienced the surreal high of a championship-level performance when he knocked out living legend Nong-O Hama with frightening ease at ONE Friday Fights 147 this past March. However, that awe-inspiring victory turned profoundly bittersweet when a crucial weight miss rendered him ineligible for gold.
Rather than letting the error break his spirit, the elite striker took full responsibility for the misstep and accepted the consequences with remarkable grace.
Now, with personal redemption squarely on the line, he is determined to right that wrong and ensure this second chance does not go to waste.
The Russian shared:
“The fact that I left without the belt didn’t upset me at all, because I accept how things go and I know that what’s meant for me won’t pass me by.
“I’ve felt like a champion since my first fight. Obviously, I see this as a massive opportunity, and failure isn’t an option. I have to go take that belt.”
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Imangazaliev has finally reached the absolute zenith of martial arts. His grueling journey from the rugged mats of Russia to the elite training grounds of Thailand has officially borne fruit.
Joe Rogan’s massive endorsement of his lethal skills serves as the ultimate external validation, proving the global audience is finally catching up to the greatness he never doubted.
When he steps through the ropes on Friday, June 26, he intends to unleash his full athletic potential. For Imangazaliev, the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title is not merely a destination, but the crowning manifestation of his lifelong sacrifices.
He concluded:
“My whole life I envisioned becoming a champion. I pictured myself winning the belt at such a young age. Nobody really knew who I was, but I believed in myself and in my own power.
“I’ve watched all these other fighters, and I knew I could beat them. Honestly, I think what sets me apart is my mindset and my work ethic. The World Title means everything to me because it proves that all my blood, sweat, and tears paid off.”
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