‘I’ve Been Preparing For A Long Time’ – Tagir Khalilov Plans To Stop Nakrob’s Rise At ONE Friday Fights 67
“Samingpri” Tagir Khalilov is ready to take on all comers in order to reach the top of ONE’s flyweight Muay Thai ranks.
The Russian slugger will return against rising phenom Nakrob Fairtex in the main event of ONE Friday Fights 67 on June 14, and he promises to bring his best following an extended absence.
Although Khalilov has faced setbacks with scheduled matchups falling through, he believes the extra time has allowed him to be fitter and stronger for his appearance at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
The 31-year-old told onefc.com:
“The training camp went great because it was long and I had time to work on everything, both my cardio and my strength training. I’ve been preparing for a long time. I was preparing for January, and for April, and when the fights fell through, I didn’t stop. I kept myself in shape.
“The main thing for me is to stay active and get back in the ring. I don’t care who my opponent is. They know that I’ll fight whoever they offer me because I always accept whatever fights they offer me.”
Khalilov has shown his courage and resilience when squaring off against the division’s elite on late notice, including exciting clashes with ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon and ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion “The Kicking Machine” Superlek Kiatmoo9.
The Samingpri Muay Thai representative has never sacrificed his style no matter who stands opposite him, he’s even more sure of his ability to succeed and entertain this Friday.
Khalilov said:
“Any fight I’m in is interesting for the viewers. The opponent is an experienced Thai fighter. It’s a style I’m familiar with, so I’ll be fighting my usual style.
“I would like to win early and get the bonus, but I will be prepared to go the distance. I will show my entire arsenal and fight in my own explosive and uncompromising style.”
Khalilov Wants Rematch With Rodtang: ‘I’ll Crush Him!’
Tagir Khalilov will bring an impressive resume into his showdown with Nakrob Fairtex, boasting three wins from his last four outings, including two via knockout.
His most recent victory came against former Lumpinee Stadium and Rajadamnern Stadium Muay Thai World Champion Yodlekpet Or Atchariya, so the Russian is knocking on the door of the flyweight division’s top five.
Nakrob is also eyeing the upper echelon and will carry a stunning 7-1 ONE Friday Fights record into their main event contest. With that in mind, Khalilov knows he can make a big statement this Friday:
“Any victory is a step forward, a move upward. Of course, I’m aiming for the top.
“Nakrob is also on a winning streak, so upsetting him and interrupting the streak would be intriguing.”
“Samingpri’s” biggest goal is to earn a rematch with Rodtang Jitmuangnon – this time with the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title on the line.
Rodtang narrowly defeated Khalilov in a three-round kickboxing clash in 2021, but the latter thinks it would be different if they run it back for the gold.
Khalilov added:
“I see myself as a ONE World Champion. I’m ready to fight Rodtang and take his belt. Muay Thai, small gloves, I’ll crush him.
“Just remember my kickboxing fight against Rodtang, I took the fight on a week’s notice and put on a great fight, losing by split decision.
“ONE, give me Rodtang!”
