‘My Brother Sold His Car To Get Me Here’ – How Family Sacrifice Helped Aslamjon Ortikov Reach World Title Shot
Aslamjon “El Pantera” Ortikov’s first memory of martial arts is not of watching a famous fighter or dreaming about World Championship gold. It is of taking part in his first sparring session at a gym in Samarkand when he was 8 years old.
He enjoyed the challenge, felt comfortable in the training environment, and left eager to return. Nearly 15 years later, Ortikov owns a flawless 24-0 professional record and stands one victory away from becoming Uzbekistan’s first ONE Muay Thai World Champion.
On Friday, June 26, the 23-year-old will face fellow undefeated striker Asadula “The Dagestan Ninja” Imangazaliev for the vacant ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title in the main event of The Inner Circle 20. The spectacle between the two ONE Friday Fights contract winners airs live in Asia primetime from Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, via live.onefc.com.
An Active Child Finds His Sport In Samarkand
Ortikov grew up as the youngest of three brothers in Samarkand, which he describes as part of Uzbekistan’s own “Little Thailand” due to the country’s growing generation of talented young fighters.
He loved sports but had not found one that truly suited him until one of his brothers brought him to a nearby martial arts gym.
There was no gradual introduction. Ortikov was soon sparring, trading punches, and enjoying every second of the exchanges.
He recalled:
“I was an active kid, to be honest. I really liked sports, but I didn’t know what kind of sport I wanted to do until my brother brought me to the gym for the first time.
“Even at home, I used to have competitions with my brother. What I remember from that first day is doing a kind of sparring. That’s why I liked it. I punched my opponent, they punched me, and I enjoyed it. So, I told my brother, ‘Yeah, brother, I want to continue doing this.’”
What began as a hobby soon became serious. After winning his first amateur contest, Ortikov accumulated more than 200 amateur bouts and earned junior honors across Muay Thai, kickboxing, and MMA, including an age-group World Championship in 2017.
The gym was no longer simply a place where an active child could release his energy. Ortikov had begun to see a future there.
He explained:
“Honestly, in the beginning, it was just a hobby. It was a good activity and a great way to spend time at the gym. But over time, it became serious. I realized that one day I’d become a champion.”
The Family Sacrifice Behind His Move To Thailand
While developing as a fighter, Ortikov studied tourism, worked as a restaurant waiter, and later completed a bachelor’s degree at Tambov State University in Russia.
In 2022, he followed several Uzbek friends to train in Thailand, hoping to build his career in the country’s stadium circuit.
One of his older brothers sold his car to help finance the move. Ortikov suddenly understood that his fighting career was no longer supported by belief alone. His family had placed something tangible behind it.
He said:
“My reaction was crazy because, to be honest, at that time, I understood how much my brother and my family wanted me to achieve my dream.”
The decision paid off as Ortikov began establishing himself in Thailand.
When his performances later produced bonus money, he sent part of it home to the people who had made the journey possible.
He explained:
“My brother sold his car to send me here so I could train and achieve my dream. My parents and my two brothers did everything for me. They sacrificed their time, their money, and everything.
“After I got a bonus, I sent some of the money to my brother to pay him back and also to my parents.”
Eight Straight Wins Earn A Six-Figure Contract
Success in Thailand eventually led Ortikov to ONE Friday Fights, where emerging athletes compete at Lumpinee Stadium for a place in ONE.
The Uzbek star defeated eight consecutive opponents in the weekly series, combining four finishes with just as many composed three-round performances.
In June 2025, ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong rewarded that run with a coveted six-figure contract, securing Ortikov’s place on ONE’s global roster.
Ortikov said:
“When I came to Thailand, I already knew about ONE Championship. Even when I was in Uzbekistan, I knew about ONE Championship, so my dream was to win the belt. I told myself, ‘One day, I’m going to become a champion,’ and now I’m finally fighting for the belt.”
On ONE’s global roster, Ortikov defeated three-time Rajadamnern Stadium Muay Thai World Champion Kongthoranee Sor Sommai before stopping Jordan “Panda Kick” Estupinan.
The victories extended his record to 24-0 overall and 10-0 in ONE, earning him a shot at the vacant ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title.
Waiting across the ring will be Imangazaliev, whose spinning attacks, heavy kicks, and knockout power have produced a perfect 12-0 record. Together, the two challengers bring a combined 36 victories and 22 finishes into the World Title showdown.
The undefeated fighter said:
“Definitely, my dream is to win the belt and become the first ONE Muay Thai World Champion from Uzbekistan. I’m going to give everything to get the belt, and I’m going to put on a really crazy fight.”
Carrying Uzbekistan’s Sporting Momentum Into The Inner Circle 20
Ortikov’s World Title challenge arrives during a landmark period for Uzbek sports.
In April, Avazbek “Ninzya” Kholmirzaev became Uzbekistan’s first ONE MMA World Champion and received a hero’s welcome at home. Ortikov celebrated his compatriot’s triumph, and Kholmirzaev has since encouraged him to bring another belt back to their homeland.
Ortikov revealed:
“When he won the belt, I was really happy for him because I know how hard he worked for it and how much he wanted it. My whole country was really happy that we had a World Champion in ONE Championship.
“I congratulated him, and he has now wished me luck. He wants me to bring the belt back to Uzbekistan.”
With Uzbekistan also competing in its first FIFA World Cup, Ortikov’s title challenge arrives amid a historic period for the country’s athletes.
A victory on June 26 would allow him to add Muay Thai gold to Kholmirzaev’s MMA crown and show young athletes that the path from Uzbekistan to ONE Championship is wide open.
Ortikov concluded:
“Nowadays, a lot of talented young fighters from the new generation are coming through. At the same time, they are watching me, and they want to fight in ONE Championship.
“First of all, I have to win the belt. Then I also want my country, Uzbekistan, to become World Champions in football because they are competing in the World Cup for the first time.”
