‘He Poses No Threat To Me’ – Hu Yong, Sanzhar Zakirov Trade Barbs Before Pivotal ONE Fight Night 36 Clash
A new flyweight MMA World Title challenger could emerge from the chaos when #5-ranked “Wolf Warrior” Hu Yong and #4-ranked Sanzhar “Tornado” Zakirov collide in a high-stakes war at ONE Fight Night 36: Prajanchai vs. Di Bella II on Prime Video.
The explosive encounter takes place live in U.S. primetime on Friday, October 3, from Bangkok, Thailand. Hu Yong is riding a hot streak into battle against Zakirov, who brings his pristine 15-0 record to the ONE Championship ring.
Both competitors’ World Title dreams are hanging in the balance.
The Chinese knockout artist will meet the undefeated Uzbek phenom in a mesmerizing stylistic matchup that guarantees edge-of-your-seat action from start to end. These two athletes exchanged heated words ahead of their highly anticipated showdown at ONE Fight Night 36.
Hu Yong Ready To Hand Zakirov First Career Loss
Hu Yong has established himself as one of the most feared knockout artists in the 135-pound division, leaving a trail of unconscious opponents in his wake.
Since his close decision loss to reigning ONE Flyweight MMA World Champion Yuya “Little Piranha” Wakamatsu in December 2021, “Wolf Warrior” has roared back with three straight victories, including a spectacular knockout of former flyweight MMA king Geje “Gravity” Eustaquio.
With a promotional record of 8-2 against elite competition, the Fighting Bros Club standout remains unfazed about facing the unbeaten Zakirov. While acknowledging the Uzbek star’s pristine record and incredible run, Hu Yong is confident that streak will come to a crushing end.
The Chinese heavy-hitter declared:
“His undefeated record stems from not having faced me yet. He poses no threat to me—only an opportunity for me to prove my strength.
“My opponent will definitely try to take me down. I need to be ready to defend those takedowns and then look for opportunities to finish him standing.”
Despite recognizing Zakirov as a dynamic, well-rounded athlete, Hu Yong doubts the young star can survive trading leather with him.
The 29-year-old veteran knows his destructive power serves as the greatest of equalizers, and he believes his opponent doesn’t even come close to hitting as hard as he does. With his game plan clear, Hu Yong outlined exactly how he plans to take advantage of Zakirov’s perceived weakness.
“Wolf Warrior” continued:
“His exploitable weakness is a lack of significant power — he doesn’t possess heavy punching force.
“I want to test my wrestling and let him taste my heavy punches. I’ll put more pressure on him.”
Hu Yong’s ultimate goal remains earning a rematch with Wakamatsu and bringing the coveted golden belt back home to China.
He plans to make a definitive statement by dismantling Zakirov, send a chilling message to the rest of the division, and potentially earn another US$50,000 performance bonus.
He added:
“You haven’t faced a true top-five flyweight contender yet. I’ll make you experience a different kind of fight.
“If things go smoothly, I’ll KO him in the first round. If not, I’ll TKO him in the latter stages.”
Zakirov Confident He Operates On Another Level
Sanzhar Zakirov has proven time and again that the hype surrounding him is real.
After earning his life-changing six-figure contract through a dominant ONE Friday Fights run, the 22-year-old phenom has stayed busy, racking up six straight victories in the world’s largest martial arts organization, across the strawweight and flyweight MMA divisions.
His remarkable performance against respected mainstay Bokang “Little Giant” Masunyane showcased his elite-level skills and World Championship potential.
The combat-loving warrior believes fans haven’t witnessed his full potential yet, and he’s eager to display more of his arsenal.
“Tornado” explained:
“All my fights go smoothly, but I learn and grow from fight to fight. I just love to fight, if I had the chance, I would fight every month.”
Zakirov carries the supreme confidence of a man who has never tasted defeat. Despite Hu Yong’s notorious reputation as a feared finisher, the Uzbek star believes he’s superior in every way and ready to expose his veteran Chinese opponent’s limitations.
“Tornado” views Hu Yong as destructive but predictable, and says there are glaring weaknesses he plans to exploit when they face off in the ring.
The Khaturaev Team representative said:
“I watched all his fights, he has nothing to surprise me with.
“His punches [are] not bad, good takedown defense, but I am better both in striking and grappling.”
Zakirov says Hu Yong’s grappling is his Achilles heel, insisting it hasn’t improved throughout his career. Beyond “Tornado’s” flashy striking, the 22-year-old sensation brings a devastating wrestling arsenal forged in the mountains of Uzbekistan — tools he believes will secure his golden destiny.
Another stellar victory could catapult him into World Title contention against whoever emerges victorious between Wakamatsu and Joshua “The Passion” Pacio at ONE 173.
The undefeated warrior delivered his final verdict ahead of his matchup with “Wolf Warrior”. He said:
“[He has] weak fight IQ, and has nothing new for a long time. I think it won’t be difficult to outplay him. I am sure that I am on another level of wrestling.
“I think it will end early, most likely by TKO.”
