‘I Saw His Face Change’ – Asadula Imangazaliev Breaks Down Kongthoranee Knockout, Calls For World Title Shot

Undefeated Russian destroyer Asadula “The Dagestan Ninja” Imangazaliev made a thunderous statement at ONE Fight Night 39: Rambolek vs. Dayakaev this past Friday, January 23.

Live in U.S. primetime, the 22-year-old knocked out three-time Rajadamnern Stadium World Champion Kongthoranee Sor Sommai in the second round of their flyweight Muay Thai showdown.

Not only did the highlight-reel moment at Bangkok’s historic Lumpinee Stadium extend his perfect record to 11-0, but it also earned him a US$50,000 performance bonus from ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong.

After asserting dominance in the opening stanza, Imangazaliev started the second frame by launching high kicks at Kongthoranee, which forced the Thai into the pocket. But as the 29-year-old warrior pushed into range, the moment of truth arrived. 

Imangazaliev attacked the midsection with a front kick, which sent his man to the canvas for the first knockdown of the battle. When the action resumed, “The Dagestan Ninja” went straight back to the body with punches to seal the finish at the 1:02 mark of round two.

Breaking down his path to victory, the young gun told onefc.com:

“I saw that he had a good block for his head, but my cornerman, my brother Mehdi [Zatout], told me to give him body shots. And after two or three times when I gave him those body shots, I saw his face change. From there, I understood what I needed to do.”

Imangazaliev’s destructive finish was a result of his thorough work during training camp.

The Team Mehdi Zatout representative left nothing to chance while sharpening his skills at Venum Training Camp in Pattaya to ensure peak readiness for his co-main event tilt.

His film study, in particular, paid immediate dividends. When asked if anything about the Sor Sommai affiliate surprised him during their battle, the Russian’s response revealed the depth of his preparation:

“I watched all his fights and understood what I needed to do, so I knew he wouldn’t be able to catch me.”

Despite the emphatic victory at ONE Fight Night 39, the Russian holds deep respect for Kongthoranee.

Imangazaliev recognized the magnitude of what he accomplished by becoming the first fighter to stop the 29-year-old Thai veteran on the global stage.

However, “The Dagestan Ninja” is confident his foe will rediscover his rhythm in the promotion’s talent-packed flyweight Muay Thai division:

“I understood that he’s a very tough opponent because nobody has finished him, and I had a goal. I wanted to finish him, and I did my work. I prepared for this moment.

“He’s still a tough opponent for everybody. I know he’ll come back stronger, but today was my day. I came here to take bonuses [and] take finishes.”

Imangazaliev Eyes Vacant Flyweight Muay Thai Crown

With his seventh consecutive ONE Championship victory secured and arguably his most impressive performance to date, Asadula Imangazaliev now stands on the doorstep of the vacant ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title. 

For his part, the Russian knockout merchant believes he is ready for a crack at the gold. However, if he has to face another contender, he is more than willing to do so.

Imangazaliev continued:

“I wanted to show people this game has levels, and my level is on a champion’s level. I want a title shot. But if I need to fight someone else, no problem. Just send me a name, and I’ll come.”

His road to the vacant throne likely runs through the legendary Nong-O Hama, who edged out Kongthoranee Sor Sommai during their ONE Fight Night 31 rematch last May.

The former longtime ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion is determined to create another historic title run – this time, in the flyweight ranks. That could ultimately put him on a collision course with the Russian destroyer.

While overcoming a man with 267 career wins will be an immensely difficult task, Imangazaliev is not intimidated at all. In fact, he has no problem sharing the squared circle with one of the best athletes to ever strap on the gloves:

“Now I won [against] two legends, and I’ll come for him soon, Inshallah. I respect him, but the flyweight division needs a new champion. I don’t care if it’s Nong-O or not, just send me a name, and I’ll come and show my level.”