The fight between two-time Russian Muay Thai World Champion Tagir Khalilov and ONE kickboxing champion Superlek will headline the ONE Fight Night 12 tournament. This happened due to the cancellation of the previously announced fight between Krykl and Jaya.
On July 14, Khalilov, coming with two straight wins, will step into the ring at Bangkok’s Lumpini Stadium to meet one of the most successful and dangerous strikers in the ONE Championship – Superlek Kiatmuu9.
ONE Flyweight Kickboxing Championship belt holder Superlek has an impressive pro record of 134-29. In ONE, he went six fights without suffering a single loss. Half of the victories were won by knockout.
Initially, Khalilov was supposed to play at the same tournament, but with another opponent – three-time world champion Elias Mahmoudi. However, due to an injury to Roman Krykli, who was due to defend his belt, the promotion gave the main event fight of the tournament to Tagirov, 30, who competes in flyweight ONE (61.2 kg).
“The organization contacted me and offered to meet Superlek during the main event of the evening. I’m glad they wanted to see us in the main fight. I discussed everything with the team and accepted the challenge,” Tagir said in an interview with ONE. He has repeatedly made statements about his desire to win the ONE Championship belt in Muay Thai as soon as possible.
Khalilov made his ONE Championship debut in 2021 with a loss to Rodtang, the current ONE Muay Thai ONE Flyweight Champion (61.2kg). However, he received this loss by split decision, after confidently going through three tough and grueling rounds with one of Thailand’s strongest fighters. After that, the Russian picked up back-to-back wins over strong contenders Chorfa and Black Panther, making him a serious title contender in the near future.
“Everyone knows I’m not looking for easy ways – I made my ONE debut against Rodtang on short notice, I learned the fight in just a week,” Khalilov said.
He explained his consent to fight with the most dangerous and titled Superlek as follows:
“Occasions like this are rare. I want to reach the top, I want the ONE Championship belt. To be the best, you have to fight the best. I have confidence in my abilities.
Source : MatchTV
I am Ashley Ortiz and I am a professional journalist working for Athletistic. My specialty is in sports journalism, particularly boxing. I have written articles for some of the most renowned publications on the subject, and my work has been featured across both print and digital media platforms.
