‘It’s A Serious Step Up’ – Teen Prodigy Akif Guluzada Ready For Biggest Moment Of Career At ONE Fight Night 31
Rapidly rising star Akif “King” Guluzada is eager to make his mark on the grandest stage for martial arts.
On May 2 in U.S. primetime, the 19-year-old from Azerbaijan will face the most dangerous test of his burgeoning career when he battles Sean “The One” Climaco in an explosive flyweight Muay Thai scrap at ONE Fight Night 31: Kongthoranee vs. Nong-O II on Prime Video at Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium.
Guluzada reeled off three straight wins at ONE Friday Fights, including a pair of jaw-dropping finishes, to earn a US$100,000 contract and a spot on ONE’s main roster.
The teenager’s meteoric rise solidified him as one of the striking world’s brightest young talents, but despite his dominant performances, he admitted that he didn’t anticipate securing his contract so quickly.
“King” told onefc.com:
“Honestly, I didn’t expect it at all, especially not right after that last knockout. I couldn’t believe it. I was really happy then, and I still am. Of course, I was hoping for a contract eventually, but not this fast.”
In his most recent outing, Guluzada delivered a Knockout of the Year candidate with an unforgettable spinning elbow on Thai standout Puengluang Baanramba. That victory capped an impressive run that showcased his dynamic striking arsenal and an elite fight IQ well beyond his years.
As he now prepares for his much-anticipated North American primetime debut, the Team Mehdi Zatout product recognizes this opportunity as a significant jump in competition:
“It’s a whole different level. I’m making my debut with a contract at ONE Fight Night. It’s a serious step up. Everything feels more real now.”
Standing across from Guluzada will be former Road to ONE: America contract winner Climaco, who boasts some of the division’s heaviest hands.
The Azerbaijani prodigy was quick to acknowledge his foe’s undeniable one-punch power, but he also identified a clear weakness that he plans to exploit:
“His left hand, it’s definitely one of his biggest weapons. He throws clean straight shots. But he drops his hands a lot. He also doesn’t move much and tends to just shell up. That’s probably the biggest weakness I see.”
Guluzada Says Speed, Fight IQ Are Keys To Victory
With his remarkable mixture of traditional Muay Thai and elements of kickboxing, Akif Guluzada brings a unique style to the world’s largest martial arts organization.
A true buzzsaw of activity and relentless aggression who’s capable of fighting out of both stances, “King” believes that he’ll be too much for Sean Climaco to handle:
“I believe I have a higher fight IQ. I’m quicker, more agile – and he’s not.”
Against a fundamentally sound, forward-marching puncher, Guluzada will be focused on avoiding his adversary’s most dangerous weapons while creating opportunities for his own diverse arsenal.
The teenager has shown incredible composure throughout his young career and three-bout run in ONE, fighting with both the patience and technique of a more experienced striker.
He’s sure that he’ll secure the finish at ONE Fight Night 31 – and he has plenty of ways to get it done:
“I think it could end by knockout. Because of how often he drops his hands, there will be chances, whether it’s a high kick, elbow, or knee.”
