Asadula Imangazaliev proved he belongs at championship level with a brutal second-round knockout of Kongthoranee Sor Sommai at ONE Fight Night 39 on January 24, collecting a US$50,000 performance bonus while improving his unblemished record to 11-0.
The Russian striker displayed raw power at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, methodically dismantling the experienced Thai veteran through devastating body attacks.
The Dagestani fighter from Team Mehdi Zatout dropped Kongthoranee with a front kick to the body before delivering a finishing body punch that left the 29-year-old southpaw unable to continue.
Imangazaliev credited his corner for identifying the path to victory during the bout.
"My cornerman, my brother Mehdi [Zatout], told me to give him body shots. And after two or three times when I gave him those body shots, I saw his face change. From there, I understood what I needed to do," the undefeated striker revealed.
Imangazaliev's performance delivered on every promise made during fight week, when he vowed to apply pressure from the opening bell and finish Kongthoranee early while establishing himself as the division's clear number one contender.
"I wanted to finish him, and I did my work. I prepared for this moment. I came here to take bonuses [and] take finishes," Imangazaliev explained.
With the performance bonus secured and his perfect record intact, the Russian made his championship intentions unmistakably clear.
"I wanted to show people this game has levels, and my level is on a champion's level. I want a title shot. But if I need to fight someone else, no problem. Just send me a name, and I'll come," Imangazaliev declared.
Imangazaliev's stated goal of becoming Russia's first ONE Muay Thai World Champion moved significantly closer following this performance.
The vacant ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title represents an open door for the undefeated prospect, who has made clear through both words and performance that he's prepared to face any challenger standing between him and the title gold.
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