ONE Fight Night 23: Ok Rae Yoon to take on Alibeg Rasulov for interim title

LockerRoom Team

23 Jun 2024

A significant change has taken place for ONE Fight Night 23 on Prime Video. Former champion Ok Rae Yoon will face unbeaten Alibeg Rasulov for the ONE Interim Lightweight MMA World Title in the main event, set for U.S. primetime on Friday, July 5.

This matchup replaces the previously scheduled bout between Jackie Buntan and Anissa “C18” Meksen for the vacant ONE Women’s Strawweight Kickboxing World Title, as Buntan had to withdraw due to injury.

The fight between Ok and Rasulov for the interim title will take place at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. The winner will earn a unification bout against current divisional titleholder Christian “The Warrior” Lee. Ok, who previously held the ONE Lightweight MMA World Title, is now the division’s top contender.

At 33 years old, Ok claimed the title in 2021 with a surprising victory over Lee, following impressive wins against Eddie Alvarez and Marat Gafurov. However, he lost the belt to Lee in their 2022 rematch by second-round TKO. After a rebound victory against Lowen Tynanes, Ok has earned his chance at this high-profile fight.

Rasulov, though new to the division's spotlight, comes with an undefeated 13-0 professional MMA record. The 31-year-old has defeated strong opponents on the regional circuit, earning his spot in the world’s largest martial arts organization.

This bout promises a clash of styles, with Ok’s elite stand-up skills facing Rasulov’s strong wrestling and ground game. Rasulov, a grappling specialist, has 10 finishes in his 13 career wins and poses a significant threat in his promotional debut.

This interim title fight allows the lightweight division to progress while reigning ONE Lightweight and Welterweight MMA World Champion Lee prepares for his return. The holder of the interim title will secure a guaranteed shot at the undisputed gold once “The Warrior” is back in action.