The Inner Circle 20 Main Event Result: Asadula Imangazaliev Edges Aslamjon Ortikov, Claims Flyweight Muay Thai Crown
Two of the world’s most dangerous, undefeated flyweight strikers finally collided on Friday, June 26, and the result was five rounds of explosive, unpredictable Muay Thai worthy of a World Title stage.
Asadula “The Dagestan Ninja” Imangazaliev and Aslamjon “El Pantera” Ortikov lit up Bangkok’s legendary Lumpinee Stadium with a high-octane battle for the vacant ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title in the main event of The Inner Circle 20.
The opening round of this clash, which was available to subscribers at live.onefc.com, immediately showcased the creativity both men had promised. Ortikov fired an axe kick, only for Imangazaliev to answer with a question-mark kick. When the Uzbek marched forward, the Russian responded with a push kick.
Imangazaliev’s unconventional offense continued in the second frame. The 22-year-old chained together a jumping knee and a head kick, while the TC Muaythai and Sport Club Shakhriyor warrior replied with another axe kick to make clear that he would not be intimidated.
The pace intensified in the third stanza. Both undefeated stars, with a combined 36-0 record alongside 22 devastating finishes, threw down in the pocket with zero fear. Imangazaliev, who represents Team Mehdi Zatout and Team Chingiz Allazov, launched a spinning attack that Ortikov narrowly evaded before following up with another brutal jumping knee.
In the opposite corner, the Uzbekistani answered with a punch that visibly bent Imangazaliev’s nose. “El Pantera” continued his onslaught with another one of his chopping axe kicks, while countering every attack from the Russian with spinning backfists.
Ortikov remained active in the fourth, switching stances and staying light on his feet to make himself difficult to hit. He used a right kick to disguise a follow-up left head kick and landed a big left hook moments later. However, Imangazaliev found success of his own with knees and elbows.
In the fifth frame, Imangazaliev lived up to his nickname “The Dagestan Ninja” and unleashed two consecutive, tornado-like spinning back elbows that completely caught the Uzbek off guard. He followed up with more hurtful shots, though Ortikov’s footwork and head movement helped him escape more pressing danger.
Under pressure, Ortikov went at his foe with fast kicks and punches, but Imangazaliev connected with kicks to the head and body as the razor-close contest moved toward the judges’ scorecards.
After five rounds of thrilling action, two judges favored Imangazaliev, crowning him the new ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion.
The split-decision victory improved his perfect professional record to 13-0, handed Ortikov the first loss of his career, and made Imangazaliev the first Russian athlete to capture Muay Thai gold in ONE Championship.
