‘Advantage In Every Area’ – Lucas Gabriel Aims To End Magomed Magomedov’s Unbeaten Run At ONE Fight Night 49
Lucas Gabriel steps into his first main event on martial arts’ grandest stage, and he plans to make the most of the moment.
He faces undefeated promotional newcomer Magomed “Muhammad” Magomedov in a lightweight MMA showdown at ONE Fight Night 49 on Prime Video, which goes down live in U.S. primetime from Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on Friday, November 6.
His opponent, however, was never part of the original plan.
The Brazilian had spent his camp preparing for former ONE Lightweight MMA World Title challenger Alibeg Rasulov, until an injury forced the Turkish star off the card.
Magomedov – a perfect 15-0 in his career – answered on short notice. A swap this close to fight night can tilt a camp off its axis, but Gabriel’s blueprint has stayed intact.
Gabriel told onefc.com:
“He has a similar style to my previous opponent, so I haven’t had to change much since the fight was switched. I know he’s an undefeated and well-rounded fighter.”
While the Phuket Fight Club affiliate respects Magomedov’s credentials, he expects the Dagestani to stay true to his roots, and he is ready to meet him there.
A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt with heavy hands to match, Gabriel can end a fight from anywhere, and he has a firm read on how this one unfolds.
The 26-year-old said:
“He tends to rely more on grappling, which often leaves openings in his stand-up game. I believe I have the advantage in every area. My jiu-jitsu is much better, and I also believe my striking is superior.”
Gabriel sounds certain he is a step ahead wherever this fight goes, and he plans to prove it with a finish.
A seventh straight appearance without defeat in the world’s largest martial arts organization is the goal, and he wants it to arrive with an ending the highlight reels will replay.
Gabriel, after all, has built an 11-1 record on pressure and power, and he has a clear idea of how the script on fight night will read.
He said:
“I want to finish the fight, no matter how it happens. Beating an undefeated opponent is always a great thing for your career. I don’t want to leave the decision in the judges’ hands. My goal is to take control and find a way to get the finish.”
Gabriel Is Coming For The Lightweight Crown
Lucas Gabriel believes a statement win in Bangkok would thrust him straight into the ONE Lightweight MMA World Title picture, and the timing could hardly be better.
Two-division king Christian “The Warrior” Lee defends the lightweight gold against Tye Ruotolo at The Inner Circle 37 just hours before Gabriel steps into the mecca of Muay Thai.
Whoever leaves with the belt, the Phuket-based fighter believes he could be next in line. A win over an undefeated star would sit beside his victory at ONE Fight Night 44 over former divisional king Ok Rae Yoon, the very man who once took the gold from Lee himself.
Gabriel said:
“After this fight, I believe I’ll get a shot at the title because there won’t be anywhere else for them to go with me.”
For now, that conversation can wait. His focus is on putting on a show at ONE Fight Night 49, where an unbeaten newcomer with five straight finishes waits across the ring.
The stakes cut both ways, and a convincing win would give the title conversation its next chapter. Gabriel knows exactly what he wants fans to see.
He said:
“Fans can expect the best version of myself. I’m feeling better than ever, and I’m ready to show what I can do.”
