‘ONE Is On Another Level’ – Kim Jae Woong Fires Warning To Unbeaten Newcomer Shamil Gasanov
“The Fighting God” Kim Jae Woong lost his top contender spot in ONE’s featherweight MMA division last time out, but he’s ready to resume his charge toward the top on Friday, October 21.
The South Korean will face unbeaten debutant Shamil Gasanov at ONE on Prime Video 3: Lineker vs. Andrade, and he is armed with key lessons learned from his defeat to Tang Kai.
Tang went on to defeat Thanh Le and claim the ONE Featherweight World Title, while “The Fighting God” was forced to return to the drawing board.
Kim said:
“[I learned] I have to be more patient. I always tell myself that, but I went for the kill again. I knew that might put me in danger, but I was greedy about it. So I will make sure I’m more calm and patient.
“I was very worried about my future and my next step forward [after the loss]. But I learned so much, and I believe that I improved a lot.”
With his renewed motivation, #2-ranked Kim accepted another tough test for his return to action.
Against Gasanov, he’ll need to prove that he’s still one of the division’s most dangerous contenders and deserves to remain in the World Title conversation.
And considering the Russian is entering ONE with a 12-0 record and eight submissions, “The Fighting God” does not expect an easy matchup.
He said:
“[Having an] undefeated record is amazing. I know that is something very hard to do. And he has great finish rates also. So I respect him, and I think he’s a great fighter.”
Kim Jae Woong Plans To Teach Shamil Gasanov A Lesson
Despite holding Shamil Gasanov in high regard, Kim Jae Woong believes the Russian phenom will be in for a shock now that he’s reached the big leagues.
Although “The Cobra” was a champion back home and owns a perfect MMA slate, Kim expects his flaws to be exposed against the elite athletes in ONE Championship.
The South Korean said:
“I think his striking is his weakness, and he covers that weakness with his wrestling. I’m a complete MMA fighter. I believe I’m well-balanced.
“He only fought guys at the [regional] level. ONE is another level, and I’m planning to show him that he has to be well-balanced to survive here. You can’t be a one-trick pony.”
“The Fighting God” is certain that he’ll be able to handle the wrestling and BJJ of the promotional debutant.
At ONE on Prime Video 3, he plans to give Gasanov a rude welcome to the Circle and show that he’s now competing against the very best.
Kim added:
“To be brutally honest, he never fought anyone legit. He fought a bunch of nobodies. He fought BJJ white belts who don’t even know how to move on the ground.
“Hey, Shamil. Do whatever you want to do. Ground, wrestling, striking, it doesn’t matter. When you think you’ve got me, I’ll be gone from your sight, and you will be getting hit from angles you won’t even see coming. And you will be getting hurt.
“I’ll fight you anywhere and show that ONE is on another level. I’ll finish him in the second round.”
