‘This Is Business’ – Ramadan Ondash Plans To Turn Johan Ghazali Friendship Into ONE World Title Launchpad
Ramadan “The Scorpion” Ondash did not call out Johan “Jojo” Ghazali because their friendship had fallen apart — he did it because he’s aiming for the top.
The two 19-year-old Muay Thai prodigies first met on the amateur circuit in 2019 and remained friendly as their careers advanced. But after Ondash defeated Suriyanlek Por Yenying in his flyweight debut on May 29, he wanted an opponent who could propel him toward the division’s elite.
That is why the Lebanese sensation challenged Ghazali immediately after the victory. Now, the friends-turned-rivals will collide in the co-main event of The Inner Circle 24 on Friday, July 31, at Bangkok’s iconic Lumpinee Stadium. The event streams live in Asia primetime exclusively for members at live.onefc.com.
Ondash said:
“You know what? Me and Abdallah (Ondash) are brothers, but we fight each other every day. This is a job. This is business. I need to do my business in ONE Championship.
“But I don’t want him to take it personally. When the fight finishes, whether I win or lose, we can be friends again. After the fight, we can go out, play golf, or do anything. I can invite him to eat.”
Ghazali initially questioned why somebody he considered a friend would call him out, but Ondash insists the challenge was never personal. Their friendship can resume after the final bell. Until then, “The Scorpion” plans to meet Ghazali’s aggression head-on.
Ondash expects “Jojo” to march forward behind forceful kicks and heavy punches. Rather than viewing that pressure as a problem, he believes it will create exchanges where his speed, boxing, and power can make the difference.
He said:
“He is strong. I think his plan will be to fight the same way Aliff [Sor Dechapan] always does, moving forward and kicking. That is good for me. It will be fun for me.
“This fight is very important for me. In this fight, I will either win or die. No loss.”
Ondash has also identified openings in Ghazali’s defense. He believes the Malaysian-American can leave his guard and body exposed, giving him targets for punches and body shots. He also expects Ghazali’s elbows to be dangerous, but he refuses to approach the matchup with fear.
Neither teenager has been knocked out under the ONE banner, and Ondash wants to become the first man to stop his opponent. The Tiger Muay Thai representative has trained for the past few months and has no desire to leave the result to the judges.
Ondash added:
“I’m different. I’m faster. I have more speed and more power.
“You know me. I don’t make predictions. But I don’t want it to go to a decision. I have trained very hard for two or three months. I haven’t stopped training.”
Ondash Sees Ghazali As Gateway To ONE World Title Dream
For Ramadan Ondash, defeating Johan Ghazali would mean much more than winning a high-profile battle between teenage stars.
The Lebanese phenom has built a 5-1 promotional record since arriving in ONE Championship. He opened his tenure with four consecutive victories, capped by a second-round knockout of Chartpayak Saksatoon that earned him a six-figure contract.
His perfect run ended against Aliff Sor Dechapan in December, but Ondash responded by moving up to flyweight and dropping battle-tested Thai veteran Suriyanlek Por Yenying en route to a unanimous decision.
Ghazali now represents the next major step. The Malaysian-American has collected eight ONE victories with six finishes, making him one of the division’s most recognizable young contenders. A statement win would move Ondash to 6-1 in the promotion, give him consecutive flyweight victories, and add another significant name to his resume.
Ondash said:
“I should go for a title shot. Whoever is in my way, no problem.”
The teenager began training at around 3 years old under the guidance of his older brother Ahmad. That work carried him through the amateur circuit, into Tiger Muay Thai, and onto the global stage.
Now, Ondash believes defeating Ghazali can transform those years of sacrifice into a direct path toward ONE World Championship gold.
At the summit stands undefeated ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Asadula “The Dagestan Ninja” Imangazaliev, who claimed the vacant throne with a split-decision victory over Aslamjon “El Pantera” Ortikov in June.
Ondash personally believed Ortikov deserved the decision, but the champion’s identity matters less to him than earning the opportunity. Whether Imangazaliev remains on the throne or another fighter takes his place, “The Scorpion” wants the belt.
For Ondash, Ghazali is both a friend and a gateway. Beating one of the division’s biggest young names would give him the platform to demand the opportunity he has chased since childhood.
Ondash concluded:
“I want to leave everything. I’m ready to die or get the belt. That is my dream.”
