5 Reasons Why Teen Phenom Akif Guluzada Could Make Waves In His U.S. Primetime Debut At ONE Fight Night 31
Rapidly rising Muay Thai prodigy Akif “King” Guluzada is set to make his much-anticipated U.S. primetime debut at ONE Fight Night 31: Kongthoranee vs. Nong-O II on Prime Video on Friday, May 2.
The 19-year-old Azerbaijani striker will square off with Filipino-American slugger Sean “The One” Climaco in a flyweight Muay Thai bout that promises nonstop action at Bangkok’s iconic Lumpinee Stadium.
Guluzada has all the makings of a future global star. Before he takes center stage at ONE Fight Night 31, we dive into five reasons why fans should be excited about his first appearance on the global roster.
#1 He Fought His Way To The Global Stage
“King” didn’t simply join ONE Championship’s global roster of world-class strikers – he smashed his way onto it.
The Team Mehdi Zatout standout compiled a perfect 3-0 record at ONE Friday Fights, capping his run with a highlight-reel spinning elbow knockout against Puengluang Baanramba in January at ONE Friday Fights 94 – earning his six-figure ONE Championship contract as a result.
Guluzada’s pristine record at the weekly Asia primetime event series showcased his readiness for high-profile fights and erased any doubts that he belongs among the flyweight Muay Thai division’s most exciting names.
#2 He’s A Young Knockout Artist
Despite his youth, the Azerbaijani phenom packs serious stopping power.
Two of his three victories at ONE Friday Fights came via knockout. In addition to his unforgettable finish of Puengluang, he also scored a sensational first-round TKO against young Thai talent Samingdam NF Looksuan at ONE Friday Fights 85.
That show-stopping power is what fans love most about Muay Thai – and Guluzada.
#3 He’s The Perfect Dance Partner For Climaco
ONE’s matchmakers have given “King” the perfect opponent for his U.S. primetime debut.
Renowned for his toughness, grit, and absurd one-punch power, Climaco is anything but an easy test for Guluzada. His willingness to engage in a brawl should make for a frantic firefight for as long as it lasts.
Win, lose, or draw, Guluzada’s main roster debut is a guaranteed barnburner.
#4 He’s A Buzzsaw Of Aggression
Beyond his ruthless finishing instincts, what makes Guluzada so entertaining is his relentless pacing and dynamic style of striking.
The young athlete has proven that he carries knockout power in his hands, kicks, knees, and elbows, making him a constant threat in all aspects of “the art of eight limbs.”
His chaotic, high-volume approach creates the kind of heart-pounding action that’s sure to keep fans on the edge of their seats.
#5 He Represents The New Generation
At just 19 years old, “King” is a torchbearer for the next generation of striking superstars.
Training under the careful tutelage of retired ONE standout Mehdi Zatout, Guluzada has developed both technical excellence and a crowd-pleasing style that should serve him well as he climbs the ranks and gains worldwide fans along the way.
A victory over a dangerous talent like Climaco could fast-track him toward even bigger opportunities in the talent-rich flyweight Muay Thai division.
