Chingiz Allazov Retains Featherweight Kickboxing Crown, Earns Redemption Over Marat Grigorian
ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion Chingiz Allazov has been patiently waiting for the past 10 years to even the score with his heated rival, #2-ranked contender Marat Grigorian.
The pair’s initial battle in April 2013 resulted in a no contest, and Grigorian won their rematch eight months later.
But in the main event of ONE Fight Night 13 on Prime Video this past Friday, August 4, Allazov proved why he is the best pound-for-pound kickboxer on the planet today, as he orchestrated a striking display of the highest order to emerge victorious against his longtime foe at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Allazov mixed his targets early, finding a rhythm to keep the challenger off his trail with swiping kicks. Undeterred, Grigorian maintained a tight guard and pressed forward with the hope of unloading a powerful punch or two.
However, “Chinga’s” slick footwork ensured that he flowed out of any oncoming traffic. He stayed light on the feet, countered with dizzying lefts and knees, and then cut angles and launched another attack from a new position.
Grigorian was more fluid with his footwork in the third stanza and tried to let his attacks naturally flow. But he was undone by Allazov’s brilliant head movement, constant stance switches, and clever counters – especially his whipping left kicks and crisp punches.
Allazov’s teeps, kicks, left jabs, and rights continued to frustrate the Armenian in the championship rounds. In addition, the Azerbaijani-Belarusian striker kept up the same pressure as he did in the opening three frames.
Grigorian, in a race against the clock, worked behind his punches to try and connect with more accuracy in the fifth and final stanza. Unfortunately for him, Allazov was just as game.
The 30-year-old divisional king didn’t slow down in offense or defense. He continued moving like a butterfly and stinging like a bee en route to a clear-cut unanimous decision victory.
With the win, Allazov moved his record to 61-5-1, evened the score with Grigorian, and cemented his status as the best pound-for-pound kickboxer on the planet today.
