Rambolek Decimates Abdulla Dayakaev With Second-Round KO In Wild ONE Fight Night 39 Main Event
After months of anticipation, the long-awaited bantamweight Muay Thai showdown finally delivered at ONE Fight Night 39, which aired live in U.S. primetime from Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium on Friday, January 23.
There, Thai phenom Rambolek Chor Ajalaboon announced himself as the top contender for ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Nabil Anane‘s throne in the main event, finishing the titleholder’s teammate, Abdulla “Smash Boy” Dayakaev, with a devastating boxing combination at the 2:41 mark of round two.
The opening stanza delivered a classic kicker-versus-puncher battle, as the 22-year-old from Superbon Training Camp threw left kicks to time “Smash Boy’s” dangerous left hands. But the 23-year-old Russian knockout artist mixed in body punches that kept Rambolek shelled up and cautious.
A different story was told in the second frame, as Rambolek maintained his composure and countered smartly while Dayakaev headhunted for the finishing blow.
When Dayakaev committed to another power shot, though, Rambolek dipped underneath and stung his foe’s body with a left hook. The Thai sensation followed up immediately with a right hook to the body and then a left hook upstairs.
As Dayakaev desperately tried to counter with a right punch, Rambolek sent a thunderous right hook ricocheting off his chin. The Russian hard-hitter crumpled to the canvas just as the Thai star threw a final knee, forcing the referee to wave off the action.
Rambolek nudged his all-striking record to 67-14, extended his winning streak to five, and bagged a US$50,000 performance bonus from ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong.
The Thai may have also solidified his case for the next shot at the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title, which is currently held by Anane, Dayakaev’s Team Mehdi Zatout stablemate.
