ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Asadula Imangazaliev is already thinking about a possible Grand Prix final against Rodtang Jitmuangnon. The Russian defends his belt for the first time against former foe Aslamjon Ortikov in the main event of The Inner Circle 39 on Friday, November 20, live from Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, streaming exclusively on live.onefc.com.
The rematch doubles as the final quarterfinal of the 2026-2027 ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Grand Prix. Before that, Rodtang takes on legendary Nong-O Hama this Friday at The Inner Circle 38, and the Thai megastar is the favorite to reach the final.
A showdown with Rodtang would be a dream matchup, though the champion admits the picture has shifted.
“Yes, it would be very nice for me if Rodtang makes it. I want to fight Rodtang after Aslamjon. But things have changed a little bit, and I don’t know now,” he said.
Imangazaliev, 23, carries a 13-0 career record and a 9-0 ONE slate. After debuting in July 2024, he became the first Russian to capture a ONE Muay Thai World Title in just two years. The Team Mehdi Zatout and Team Chingiz Allazov product is known for his striking arsenal.
The Russian is not sure the former king still has the same fire. Imangazaliev questioned Rodtang’s motivation, suggesting that success and comfort can dull a fighter’s edge, while leaving room for doubt.
“When you have everything, maybe when you wake up in the morning, you think, ‘I have everything. Why do I need this?’ And maybe he’s not hungry. But I don’t know. Maybe he’s still hungry too,” he explained.
First, Imangazaliev must get past Ortikov. The 23-year-old Uzbek from TC Muaythai and Sport Club Shakhriyor holds a 10-1 ONE record, and his only loss came against the champion in June.
Imangazaliev is relaxed about who he meets next. He also sees plenty of promise in the other side of the bracket, where two young strikers are carrying the tournament.
“If I need to fight someone else, no problem. But [Ramadan] Ondash and Shimon are also a very good fight, two younger guys in this Grand Prix. Too much action, you know,” he added.
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