Alaverdi Ramazanov Names The Warrior He Wants To Face In 2020

Alaverdi “Babyface Killer” Ramazanov made history at ONE: MARK OF GREATNESS on Friday, 6 December, when he defeated “Muay Thai Boy” Zhang Chenglong to become the inaugural ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion.

The Russian used his diverse striking arsenal to beat the Chinese sensation via unanimous decision inside the Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and finally achieved his lifelong dream of claiming World Title gold.

“I can’t even describe the feeling [when the belt got wrapped around my waist] — just a tornado of emotions,” the 25-year-old says.

“I have been working towards this goal – becoming the World Champion – for my entire life. It is incredible that my dream came true.”

The two elite martial artists put on an incredible showing for the Malaysian fans in a bout fitting of its World Championship status.

Ramazanov dropped his Chinese rival in the third frame, but the judges still needed all five rounds to separate them. Despite a late surge from the hard-hitting “Muay Thai Boy,” the judges all agreed that the Russian striking ace was the clear victor.

Although “Babyface Killer” is thrilled with his success, he also believes there is room for improvement – especially if he wants to stay at the top of the bantamweight mountain.

“I am happy that I am a champion, no doubt. But as for my performance – no one is perfect,” he reveals.

“I made some mistakes, but I have not had time to watch the fight with my coach yet. I am traveling back home now and soon, when we do a debrief, I will be able to evaluate my performance a lot better.

“But the judges scored in my favor, and the audience loved the fight, so for now, I am very happy.”

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With a successful year in the books, Ramazanov is now looking towards the future.

The man from Dagestan will not rest on his laurels with the belt around his waist. Instead, he views it as a platform to cement his status as one of kickboxing’s all-time greats.

Ramazanov still feels like he has a lot more to offer, and he believes the improvements he can make will keep him at the pinnacle of the striking world for years to come.

“Both [winning and defending the World Title] is hard, let’s be honest,” he begins.

“Maybe now I have a different motivation — to remain at the top. But this desire is just as strong as the one I had before I became the World Champion. Please, don’t think that this title is my limit. I have big plans for 2020 and beyond.

“What excites me most now is that today, I am finally in a position to fight only the top talent. It’s incredible. I am young, hungry, and motivated.”

Ramazanov knows there is a target on his back.

Every person in the division wants the ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Championship, but “Babyface Killer” refuses to let it slip from his grasp. Not only is he determined to keep it, but he is also interested in obtaining more gold.

The Russian is eager to take on all comers to prove he is the best bantamweight kickboxer in the world, but there is one warrior outside of his sport who he would like to share the global stage with in the future.

“ONE is packed with great talent, so I will be happy to see any of the top guys,” he says.

“I am the World Champion now, so I can only be challenged by the best. But if you want me to single out just one guy, I would say [ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion] Nong-O Gaiyanghadao — he has fantastic speed, power, and precision.”

“I have something Nong-O can’t beat — the Dagestani spirit.”

Read more: The Best Pictures From ONE: MARK OF GREATNESS