Armen Petrosyan Expects To Emulate His Brother Giorgio's Success In ONE
Armen Petrosyan (69-17-1) is following his older brother Giorgio “The Doctor” Petrosyan‘s footsteps into ONE Championship.
Since ONE Super Series began in April, the world’s best strikers have put on some incredible bouts on the global stage for martial arts. Now, the 31-year-old is joining those ranks, and he expects to make an instant impact.
The Armenia-born Italian will make his debut on Friday, 27 July. He will clash with two-time Muay Thai World Champion Chris “The African Warrior” Ngimbi (49-21) in a kickboxing bout at ONE: REIGN OF KINGS in Manila, Philippines. The tilt will be contested at a catch weight of 72.5 kilograms.
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Petrosyan – an ISKA, WKU, and WMTA World Champion – faces a stern test in his first promotional appearance. However, he brings solid credentials to the table, as well as some insider information on what it is like to face Ngimbi.
His brother has competed against “The African Warrior” twice – most recently in October 2017 – and defeated him via unanimous decision on both occasions.
Petrosyan was preparing for a different adversary, but when he found out he would face the Dutch-Congolese athlete instead, he was not fazed, because he already had “The African Warrior” well scouted.
“I know my opponent very well,” he says. “Giorgio has already fought him in the past, so I had the chance to learn a lot of things.”
In May, Ngimbi, who has earned multiple accolades in his 16-year career, took on Muay Thai legend Yodsanklai IWE Fairtex in his ONE debut at ONE: UNSTOPPABLE DREAMS.
The Dutch-Congolese striker went back and forth with Yodsanklai in a thrilling three-round encounter, and he pushed the Muay Thai legend to his limits. However, he came up just short of victory, as the unanimous verdict went against him.
Two months on, “The African Warrior” returns to ONE Super Series with a renewed vigor. He believes he is in better shape and well-placed for victory in his second outing.
Petrosyan recognizes the threat his 34-year-old adversary poses, but he is confident he can get the job done.
“I know I will have to be careful with him, in particular, his jumping knees. I have to make him play my game,” the Italian explains.
“I will be unpredictable. I will do the opposite of what he does, and what he expects.”
Under the tutelage of his brother, Giorgio, who successfully defeated “Smokin” Jo Nattawut via unanimous decision at ONE: HEROES OF HONOR in April, the younger sibling will hope to further establish the family name in Asia, albeit with his slightly different style.
Though he is technical like his main coach and sparring partner, Petrosyan is also aggressive, and will go forward to push Ngimbi from the opening bell.
He is also determined to impress a legion of new fans, giving this match-up the potential to be another ONE Super Series classic.
“It is my first bout in ONE,” he acknowledges, “so I want to win, and have a great fight.”
