Lucas Gabriel believes the road to the ONE Lightweight MMA World Title runs through Magomed Magomedov, and he plans to clear it with a finish. The Brazilian faces the undefeated new entrant in the main event of ONE Fight Night 49 on Saturday, November 7, airing live from Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Gabriel, 26, trains at Phuket Fight Club alongside former ONE Bantamweight MMA World Champion John Lineker. The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt carries an 11-1 career record and a perfect 5-0 ONE slate. One more victory could make him the next challenger for gold.
Across the ring is Magomedov, 31, a 15-0 finisher from Bahrain who has stopped his last five opponents. He steps into his ONE debut in a main event, and Gabriel has already picked out the holes he intends to exploit.
“He tends to rely more on grappling, which often leaves openings in his stand-up game. I believe I have the advantage in every area. My jiu-jitsu is much better, and I also believe my striking is superior,” he said.
The stakes are huge. A sixth ONE win could earn Gabriel a title shot, with the belt being contested hours earlier when champion Christian Lee defends against submission grappling titleholder Tye Ruotolo at The Inner Circle 37 this Friday. Gabriel wants to leave no doubt about who deserves it.
“I want to finish the fight, no matter how it happens. Beating an undefeated opponent is always a great thing for your career. I don’t want to leave the decision in the judges’ hands. My goal is to take control and find a way to get the finish,” he explained.
Magomedov has just as much to gain. A debut win would keep his perfect record intact and make a strong case for a crack at the lightweight crown. Gabriel is confident he will be the one to spoil it.
“After this fight, I believe I’ll get a shot at the title because there won’t be anywhere else for them to go with me,” he added.
Bangkok on November 7 will decide who earns the next shot at gold.
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