At stake is the interim featherweight champion belt (70.3 kg). Lee is a former division champion and a dangerous knockout artist, but Freimanov is determined to go all the way.
Freimanov has made it no secret that the belt has been his main goal since signing with ONE in 2022. He is moving to Thailand to find an opportunity to prove himself at a higher level:
“I felt I could achieve it and fate helped me,” Freimanov said, as quoted by ONE. —At that time, at home, I felt like I had been sitting too long. So I took everything I had and set out to fully develop myself in the sport. The hardest part was taking risks, getting out of your comfort zone and following your goals and dreams. I only had money for a few months, so I was limited in terms of time.
The Russian prospect was attracted to ONE not only by the fees, but also by special rules:
— I have always liked the rules where there are finishing moves with the legs and knees on the ground, that is to say situations close to a real fight. He has everything a fighter needs: spectacular fights without compromise, spectacles, strong opposition. I’ve always looked for a challenge, and ONE has more than enough of that.
Freimanov, 27, owns world champion titles and prizes in universal combat, kickboxing, Thai boxing and savate. He comes with a five-fight winning streak, the last two coming under the auspices of ONE – against former champion Martin Nguyen and one of the promotion’s favorites, Shinechagtag Zolcetzeg.
Freimanov was involved in martial arts since childhood, graduated from the cadet corps and received a profession, but saw his life only in sports:
— I started practicing taekwondo at the age of 7. After entering the Kuban Cossack cadet corps named after. Ataman Babich, I began to master wrestling in a kimono and striking techniques with my hands, after a few months I became one of the youngest champions of universal combat, practiced in hand-to-hand combat, in the army and in universal combat. Then the decision was made to create our own club. I quickly realized that I was tired of amateur fights and just wanted to compete only as professionals. After school I got a job as a software engineer, but I always knew I wanted to play sports professionally.
When leaving for Thailand, Freimanov understood that it was a big risk, but he does not regret it:
— Like many other athletes, I had to invest everything I had in my development. When there is no funding, results are obtained very slowly. I had to live my dream and put all my savings into preparing for fights. It wasn’t until 2022 that I was able to give myself good rest, good recovery, coaches and everything I needed to focus only on what I love.
The broadcast of the ONE Fight Night 15: Freimanov vs Lee tournament will begin on October 7 at 02:55 Moscow time on the Match! Fighter”.
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.
