‘I’ll Have The Advantage’ – Akif Guluzada Vows To Leave Ferrari In The Dust At The Inner Circle 29
Akif “King” Guluzada is ready to leave his first setback in ONE Championship behind as he steps through the ropes for the main event of The Inner Circle 29.
The Azerbaijani striker faces Ferrari Fairtex in a bantamweight kickboxing clash at Bangkok’s iconic Lumpinee Stadium. The Asia primetime card streams live exclusively for subscribers at live.onefc.com on Friday, September 4.
Making his second main event appearance under the ONE spotlight, the 21-year-old aims for a definitive return to form.
In his last outing at ONE Fight Night 44, he suffered a unanimous decision defeat to Johan “Panda Kick” Estupinan. That result snapped a 5-0 promotional run featuring knockouts of Puengluang Baanramba and Samingdam Looksuan.
Guluzada traced that outcome to a specific cause, prompting his move up to bantamweight for this Friday’s clash.
He shared:
“In my last fight, I think I just lost too much weight. It was a problem for that fight. In fact, I did not have power. I couldn’t perform, just nothing.
“Now I’m [performing much] better at bantamweight. I will show that in this fight. I will show everyone who the real Akif is.”
That confidence is not limited to his own adjustment to a new weight class. Guluzada has also turned his attention toward the man standing across from him in the Thai capital at The Inner Circle 29.
Ferrari brings a wealth of Muay Thai experience into the fight, along with a reputation built over more than a hundred professional bouts. The 29-year-old has also proven himself against some of the toughest names on the global stage, and appears as confident as ever heading into this clash.
None of that has seemed to faze the Team Mehdi Zatout and Team Chingiz Allazov star in the slightest:
“I am a good fighter, and I think he’s just a normal Thai fighter. He has good kicks…just his kicks. Also, I am a kickboxing fighter, while Ferrari is a Muay Thai fighter.”
Guluzada Pinpoints His Edge Over Ferrari
That same self-assurance carries directly into how Akif Guluzada sees this headliner attraction of The Inner Circle 29 playing out. Ask him where he expects the fight to be decided, and he does not hesitate.
He has broken the matchup down to a specific set of factors he believes will give him every chance of walking away with his 21st career win.
“King” pointed out:
“I think I’ll have the advantage with my fight IQ and speed. Also, kickboxing is my style. I’m ready.”
With his own preparation and reasoning laid out, Guluzada shifted his attention directly toward the man standing across from him.
As far as he is concerned, his opponent has not quite earned the right to carry a name synonymous with speed, power, and prestige. He made that clear in his own way, closing things out with a parting message poking a bit of fun at Ferrari’s namesake.
He said:
“Good luck to you, Ferrari. See you soon. Hope you are ready for a kickboxing fight with me. Maybe after this fight you can change your nickname to Toyota or Lamborghini.”
