‘I Want To Meet Him In The Middle’ – Abdulla Dayakaev Confident He Will Finish Rambolek At ONE Fight Night 39
After two months of waiting, Abdulla “Smash Boy” Dayakaev is ready to unleash his fury when he squares off against Rambolek Chor Ajalaboon at ONE Fight Night 39: Rambolek vs. Dayakaev next weekend.
The Russian knockout artist will bring a four-fight winning streak into this pivotal bantamweight Muay Thai main event at Bangkok’s iconic Lumpinee Stadium. It’s ONE Championship’s first Prime Video event of the year, which takes place Friday, January 23, live in U.S. primetime.
This showdown between two ferocious headhunters was originally scheduled for ONE Fight Night 37 last November. Everything was set until disaster struck — a staph infection on Dayakaev’s hand sent him to the hospital, forcing a last-minute postponement.
The devastation hit hard for the Dagestan-born striker, who had been anticipating his chance to face a fellow phenom like Rambolek.
To make matters worse, the cancellation sparked unfair criticism online, with Rambolek’s fans accusing Dayakaev of ducking the Thai star.
Speaking to onefc.com, the 23-year-old firecracker set the record straight:
“I don’t understand one thing — everyone says I’m scared. Last time I had an infection. This can happen with everyone. This is a situation with all fighters.
“I come here, I give [my everything]. Of course, I was sick. I am never scared. I always show my heart.”
Now fully healed and ready to silence his critics, Dayakaev faces the stiffest test of his young career against a fellow aggressive knockout artist with a similar skill set.
Rambolek will also enter this contest riding a four-fight winning streak. He is fresh off a second-round TKO demolition of Dmitrii “The Silent Assassin” Kovtun at ONE Fight Night 35 last September.
Under ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion Superbon‘s guidance, the Thai’s strikes have grown more lethal and precise. Still, Dayakaev remains focused on his own capabilities, confident he holds the edge in all areas.
The Team Mehdi Zatout standout explained:
“Rambo is the same as other Thai fighters. I think my power and my [timing] are better. I know his style. I watched him fight with my teammates.
“He’s kind of good with kicks, right punches, and sometimes, elbows. But I think my boxing is best in the bantamweight division.”
Given both fighters’ reputations as finishers, Dayakaev doesn’t see this bout reaching the judges’ scorecards. The Russian has been on a tear with four straight stoppages, and he sees no reason to halt that streak now.
Moreover, Dayakaev says his opponent talks a big game but questions whether he’ll stand and trade once the real action begins.
The Russian star declared:
“I want to show [I’m better], after he talked too much. I don’t want him to run. I want to meet him in the middle and fight. But I think he will run. With some of his previous [opponents], he stepped backwards always.”
Dayakaev Ready To Prove He Deserves A World Title Shot
Following a stellar 6-1 start at ONE Friday Fights, Abdulla Dayakaev took his career to the next level in 2025. His breakthrough performance came in February at ONE Friday Fights 96, where a first-round knockout of Alessio Malatesta secured him a life-changing US$100,000 contract.
The former security guard only worked harder after reaching ONE’s main roster. At ONE Fight Night 31 last May, he weathered a knockdown scare before storming back to stop former World Title challenger Saemapetch Fairtex in the second round.
Then at ONE Fight Night 33 last July, Dayakaev moved up to featherweight and dispatched Nontachai Jitmuangnon in just 24 seconds.
Dayakaev doesn’t just win — he creates spectacles:
“In all my fights, I come for the knockout. I’m always looking for a knockout. I’m coming for another bonus. Don’t close your eyes. Never close your eyes when I fight.”
Now headlining his first Prime Video event in the world’s largest martial arts organization, Dayakaev has paid his dues and believes he belongs exactly where he is — among the elite.
A knockout victory over Rambolek on Friday, January 23, could potentially open the door to his ultimate dream of becoming a ONE World Champion.
“Smash Boy” concluded:
“I already did nine fights in ONE Championship. Now I’m coming for 10. I have eight wins, six KOs. I like [it here]. I like the atmosphere. I like everything.
“I’ve already fought in ONE for two years. I think I deserve this [main event]. I think I deserve maybe the title shot also, but I will wait. Maybe next I will fight for the belt or even the interim title, I don’t know. But now I have a goal to finish Rambo.”
