Smash Hit: 5 Things That Will Make You A Big Fan Of Abdulla Dayakaev
Russian knockout artist Abdulla “Smash Boy” Dayakaev is hunting for another devastating finish in the biggest match of his young career.
The 23-year-old looks to add Rambolek Chor Ajalaboon to his growing list of victims when they collide in the main event of ONE Fight Night 39 on Prime Video, which goes down live in U.S. primetime from Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium on Friday, January 23.
Dayakaev has quickly become one of the most entertaining fighters on the roster. The Russian owns a 15-2 career record, which includes eight victories under the ONE Championship banner. What’s more, he earned his last four wins by knockout.
Over the past year, Dayakaev has evolved from a ONE Friday Fights contract winner to one of the leading names in the bantamweight Muay Thai division, and another jaw-dropping performance could position him as a future World Title contender.
Before his three-round headlining battle at ONE Championship’s first U.S. primetime event of 2026, here are five things that will make you a big fan of Dayakaev.
#1 His Nickname Comes From His Favorite Phrase
Dayakaev carries supreme confidence wherever he goes. It’s evident in how he moves and how he speaks. Despite English not being his native tongue, it never stopped him from proclaiming he could beat anyone in the ring.
The Russian’s teammates at Team Mehdi Zatout found amusement in his favorite English phrase and aptly dubbed him “Smash Boy.” The moniker stuck, and it perfectly reflects his killer instinct.
Dayakaev shared:
“When I first came here [to Thailand], I didn’t know much English. I know only this phrase, ‘I smash everyone.’ Even when I was learning English, I always said, ‘I smash everybody.’ That’s the only thing I said. After that, they gave me this nickname, ‘Smash Boy.’ I believe I can smash everyone.”
#2 At Least 500 People Attended His Wedding
2025 was a year to remember for Dayakaev, both professionally and personally. Besides earning a six-figure contract with ONE Championship last February, he also married the love of his life in his native Dagestan.
While “Smash Boy” is never fazed inside the ring, he was admittedly stunned by how many people showed up on his wedding day.
Dayakaev revealed:
“I got married six months ago. I had a very big wedding. Too many people came … my cousins, my friends. It was maybe five or six hundred people. My parents knew everybody. I only knew maybe 20 or 30 people. I have a bigger motivation now. I need to support my family, my parents, my wife, and everyone.”
#3 He Always Looks Out For Family
Dayakaev has come a long way from his days working as a security guard in Russia. Aside from his life-changing six-figure contract, the Dagestani was also rewarded handsomely for his 24-second knockout of Nontachai Jitmuangnon at ONE Fight Night 33 in July 2025.
After receiving a US$50,000 performance bonus from ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong, Dayakaev made sure to give back to those who mattered most: his family.
The Team Mehdi Zatout standout said:
“I bought a home for my parents. I bought a car for myself, and I bought a car for my father. But now, I need to buy a home. I’m so happy I can support my parents and my family. I have so many older brothers.”
#4 He Is A Knockout Machine
Dayakaev is a walking highlight reel. He possesses flashy yet effective strikes, including wild axe kicks and spinning attacks that pack serious power.
But his offense is never reckless. Each strike carries pinpoint accuracy, often leaving opponents crashing to the canvas.
“Smash Boy” said:
“All my fights, I come for the knockout. This is my style, even in my amateur days. All my fights have knockdowns. I’m always looking for a knockout. I like to give good action to the fans. I like it when I give them a knockout, and I like the bonuses.”
#5 He Plans To Pursue MMA
Like many children growing up in Dagestan, Dayakaev has trained and competed extensively in the grappling arts from an early age.
While his focus is strictly on “the art of eight limbs” at this point, “Smash Boy” is open to making the transition to MMA in the future. Should he make the shift, Dayakaev’s striking prowess would give him a natural advantage, while his grappling background would make him an immediate threat.
The Russian destroyer said:
“I also trained sambo. I did classic wrestling. But I just like Muay Thai because in wrestling, I can’t stand and punch my opponent. I have goals in Muay Thai. When I finish everything, I will come to MMA.”
