‘I Am On A Different Level’ – Asadula Imangazaliev Plans To Blaze World Title Trail Through Kongthoranee
Undefeated Russian knockout artist Asadula Imangazaliev is ready to announce his arrival on the sport’s biggest stage when he makes his highly anticipated U.S. primetime debut against Thai veteran Kongthoranee Sor Sommai.
The duo will collide on Friday, January 23, in a high-profile flyweight Muay Thai clash that serves as the co-main event of ONE Fight Night 39: Rambolek vs. Dayakaev on Prime Video, airing live from Bangkok’s historic Lumpinee Stadium.
The Team Mehdi Zatout standout enters this showcase opportunity riding a perfect 10-0 striking record with six promotional victories, five of which came by spectacular finish.
That fight-ending ability was on full display in Imangazaliev’s most recent outing at ONE Friday Fights 122 last August, where he delivered the performance that changed his life. Facing seven-time Muay Thai World Champion Panpayak Jitmuangnon, the Dagestan native unleashed a devastating head kick that dropped the legendary Thai for good in less than three minutes.
That epic knockout secured Imangazaliev a life-changing six-figure contract with the world’s largest martial arts organization. Now making his U.S. primetime debut against a proven contender, the Buynaksk native is ready to show exactly why he deserves to be mentioned among the division’s elite.
Speaking to onefc.com, Imangazaliev made his intentions crystal clear:
“In this fight, I want to show that I am on a different level and that I am the main contender for the championship belt.
“My biggest strength is my unique style, which I have developed throughout my career. I enjoy delivering exciting and entertaining fights, but I believe I have not yet fully shown my complete skill set and true potential inside the [ring].”
Standing in his path is 29-year-old Kongthoranee, a two-time Rajadamnern Stadium Muay Thai World Champion who brings a wealth of experience into this pivotal bout.
The southpaw striker from Sor Sommai and Silk Muay Thai has compiled an impressive 72-18 career record, though he enters on a troubling two-fight losing streak.
Imangazaliev has studied his opponent extensively and believes he’s identified the key to victory.
The Russian star explained:
“One of my opponent’s weaknesses is that he often relies on counterattacks. For me, this style is actually convenient, because I know how to control the pace of the fight and create situations where I can impose my game.
“I plan to apply pressure from the very first seconds and break the fight in my favor. I am well prepared and ready to finish this fight early.”
While confidence radiates from every word, Imangazaliev isn’t underestimating the challenge ahead.
The middle child of three siblings from Dagestan has been passionate about sports since his youth, and that dedication has taught him to respect every opponent who steps into the ring.
However, the 22-year-old Russian feels fully prepared for Friday’s test.
Imangazaliev said:
“I understand that my opponent is very experienced, so I need to stay focused and sharp at all times. I feel that I am ready for this moment, ready to pass this level and move forward toward my goals.”
Imangazaliev’s Championship Hunger Fuels U.S. Primetime Debut
Asadula Imangazaliev’s uncanny ability to finish opponents with his varied striking arsenal has become his calling card in ONE Championship.
From devastating head kicks to explosive punches and perfectly timed elbows, the Russian destroyer has shown he can end fights from anywhere and at any moment. That unpredictability makes him one of the most dangerous fighters in the stacked flyweight Muay Thai division.
Now stepping onto ONE’s U.S. primetime stage for the first time, Imangazaliev carries motivation that extends far beyond personal glory. The Team Mehdi Zatout representative aims to become the first athlete to hold 26 pounds of gold under Muay Thai rules, a goal that drives him through every grueling training session.
The undefeated striker declared:
“My biggest advantage in this fight will be my hunger, my strong desire to win, and my goal of becoming the first ONE World Champion from Russia in Muay Thai. This goal motivates me every day and pushes me to give my maximum.”
Life has changed dramatically for Imangazaliev since that spectacular knockout of Panpayak last August. Recognition has followed the Dagestani native, with more fans discovering his explosive style and finishing ability.
Rather than becoming comfortable with that attention, the 22-year-old has used it as fuel to push himself even harder in preparation for his co-main event opportunity.
When asked about the changes in his life since earning his main roster contract, Imangazaliev revealed how that recognition has impacted his preparation.
The Russian sensation concluded:
“More people have started to recognize me, and that has given me even more motivation. I can see that the hard work that once went unnoticed is now being recognized. This pushes me to train harder and continue improving.”
