‘I Don’t Want To Finish Like This’ – Abdulla Dayakaev Reflects On Rematch, Wishes Superlek Speedy Recovery
Abdulla “Smash Boy” Dayakaev walked away from The Inner Circle 25 with a second victory over his Thai rival, ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion “The Kicking Machine” Superlek, but the Russian powerhouse was hardly celebrating the way he had imagined.
Their highly anticipated bantamweight Muay Thai rematch ended just 39 seconds into round two at Bangkok’s iconic Lumpinee Stadium this past Friday, August 7, when Superlek’s right leg buckled during an exchange. As a result, he was unable to continue.
The official second-round TKO moved Dayakaev’s career record to 17-3 and gave him consecutive wins over the pound-for-pound great.
But unlike their closely contested first encounter this past May, which “Smash Boy” won by split decision, this one ended before either man could fully execute their respective game plans.
Superlek enjoyed a brilliant start to the contest, as he disrupted the Dagestani’s rhythm with low kicks and connected with his trademark step-through elbow. Dayakaev found his own opening with a left hook, and he believed there was little separating them after the opening three minutes.
The 24-year-old Russian said:
“I think the first round was close. He caught me with a right elbow, and I caught him with a left hook. We didn’t show much in the first round. He landed maybe two low kicks, I landed only a left hook, and that was it, nothing more.”
Dayakaev, who represents Team Mehdi Zatout and Team Chingiz Allazov, had deliberately kept something in reserve during those opening exchanges. His plan was to raise the tempo after the first round, and he immediately began marching forward when the second frame began.
The Dagestani contender drove Superlek toward the ropes and let his hands fly, landing a one-two and uppercut during the sequence that preceded the Thai superstar going down. Yet rather than viewing the sudden ending as the emphatic conclusion he had sought, “Smash Boy” was left wondering how the rematch might have unfolded under different circumstances.
He said:
“I don’t know [how it would have ended]. I believed before this fight that it would not go three rounds, for sure. But I don’t want to finish like this.”
That reaction also reflected Dayakaev’s relationship with the man standing across from him. Long before they became rivals inside ONE Championship, the Russian had followed Superlek’s career and regarded the decorated Thai as one of the fighters who inspired him.
Facing that same athlete twice became an important chapter in Dayakaev’s book, but after the unfortunate conclusion to their sequel, he sees no reason to turn the matchup into a trilogy.
Instead, he hopes Superlek can recover and return to the sport and division where “The Kicking Machine” remains the reigning ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion.
“Smash Boy” said:
“Thank you, Superlek, for everything, for these two fights. I wish you all the best. I wish you the best recovery and a fast recovery. I know you are a great fighter. You are legendary. I want to see you fight in kickboxing at 135 pounds again. I don’t want to fight with you again, but I respect you.”
Dayakaev Eyes Rambolek Vs. Yod-IQ Winner
With his rivalry against Superlek seemingly closed, Abdulla Dayakaev is already looking toward the biggest prize in ONE Championship’s bantamweight Muay Thai division.
“Smash Boy” has now put together two consecutive victories since his most recent setback and believes his current run has strengthened his case for another major opportunity.
His attention is firmly on reigning ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Rambolek Chor Ajalaboon and Yod-IQ Or Pimolsri, who are set to collide for the gold at The Inner Circle 30 on September 11.
Dayakaev said:
“I want a World Title shot. Since my last loss, I’ve won two fights in a row, and I’ve beaten a legendary fighter twice. The first time was a split decision, no problem. But this time, they can’t deny me.
“I really want to show myself in a World Title fight. Right now, there’s almost nobody left. I want to fight the winner because Yod-IQ and Rambolek are two great fighters. I respect them also. I want to get the answer, and I want to fight the winner.”
Either outcome would give Dayakaev an opportunity to revisit unfinished business. Both men have previously defeated the Russian in the world’s largest martial arts organization, although Rambolek was the only one to finish him.
A victory for the reigning divisional king would therefore set up a particularly compelling rematch. Dayakaev still holds Rambolek in high regard, but he is convinced that another meeting would unfold differently. The Russian believes he has learned from their first encounter and has made the necessary adjustments to change his fortunes in a second battle.
“Smash Boy” may have to wait, however. Suakim PongSuphan PK defeated the Dagestani’s teammate and training partner, ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Nabil Anane, in a World Title eliminator to earn the next crack. Nevertheless, the 24-year-old’s eye is on revenge with Rambolek and the division’s ultimate prize.
Dayakaev said:
“I respect him. I’m not saying he’s a bad fighter. He is a very smart fighter. But I believe, this time, I can win.”
