Aslamjon “El Pantera” Ortikov did not need a famous fighter to inspire him. All it took was one sparring session.
Born and raised in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, Ortikov was the youngest of three brothers in a city he describes as part of his country’s own “Little Thailand” – a hotbed of emerging martial arts talent. He was an active child, but he didn’t find “the art of eight limbs” until one of his older brothers brought him to a nearby gym at the age of eight. The moment he started sparring, throwing punches and taking them in return, he knew he had found his new favorite sport.
What began as a hobby quickly became a calling. Ortikov accumulated more than 200 amateur bouts and earned junior honors across Muay Thai, kickboxing, and mixed martial arts, including an age-group World Championship in 2017. Alongside his martial arts development, he studied tourism, worked as a restaurant waiter, and completed a bachelor’s degree at Tambov State University in Russia.
In 2022, following several Uzbek friends who had made the same journey, Ortikov relocated to Thailand to build his career on Bangkok’s stadium circuit. The move came at a cost, however. One of his older brothers sold his car to help finance it, a sacrifice that landed heavily on the young fighter and one he has never forgotten.
The investment paid off in every sense. Ortikov sent part of his bonus money home to repay his brother and his parents, and his performances more than justified the belief his family had placed in him. Eight straight victories at ONE Friday Fights, combining four finishes with four composed three-round performances, earned him a life-changing six-figure contract with ONE Championship in June 2025.
Since joining the global roster, Ortikov has extended his record to a flawless 24-0 with victories over three-time Rajadamnern Stadium World Champion Kongthoranee Sor Sommai and Jordan Estupinan.
Now, one win away from becoming Uzbekistan’s first ONE Muay Thai World Champion, “El Pantera” is ready to make history.
