‘We’re Coming For It’ – Dzhabrailov, Sam-A, Leon Eye Gold After Explosive Wins At ONE Fight Night 42
ONE Fight Night 42 on Prime Video was not just a night of victories. It was a declaration of intent.
At Bangkok’s historic Lumpinee Stadium this past Friday, three standout performers did more than get their hands raised. They answered questions, overcame adversity, and made it clear that bigger opportunities could be at the doorstep.
From a surging welterweight finisher to a Muay Thai icon defying Father Time and a submission grappler reasserting his place among the elite, the event produced three distinct statements. All of them point toward ONE World Title gold.
Now, Dzhabir Dzhabrailov, Sam-A Gaiyanghadao, and Dante Leon are moving forward with momentum, clarity, and ambition. Here is what they had to say following their landmark wins at ONE Fight Night 42.
Dzhabrailov Targets Tetsuka, Sends Warning To Lee
Dzhabir Dzhabrailov’s spotless MMA record remains intact. More importantly, his aura continues to evolve.
For the first time in his ONE Championship run, the 21-year-old welterweight faced real adversity. Chase “Mannimal” Mann dropped him early in the first round of their main event showdown and forced him to weather heavy pressure.
The Turkish phenom, however, responded with composure.
He recalled:
“I feel amazing, and this is the best finish that could have happened for me, and I’m really glad that it ended in the first round. I’m very, very happy.
“I really know myself, and I know what I am capable of. In the beginning, he was showing that he was a bit stronger, and he was able to do something. But I generally know that I’m unbreakable. So, I just did what I was supposed to do.”
That belief became the turning point.
Dzhabrailov had prepared for the American’s wrestling-heavy approach, anticipating both the pressure and the pace. Even after the early scare, he trusted the plan.
He continued:
“We expected him to try and wrestle, and move to the ground, but we didn’t let him do it. We expected him to be tired, and this is exactly what happened. So, we did exactly what we planned to do.”
Once the momentum shifted, the finish came swiftly. After establishing some rhythm with single shots, he changed gears, caught Mann clean with a thunderous left hook, and closed the show with a few pinpoint hammerfists.
With a perfect 7-0 record and flawless 100 percent finishing rate, Dzhabrailov is a problem for anyone in the division. For now, he hopes to secure a clash with former Pancrase Champion Hiroyuki “Japanese Beast” Tetsuka, and he also fired a warning shot to ONE Welterweight MMA World Champion Christian “The Warrior” Lee.
The Turk said:
“Of course, I really want to fight [Tetsuka], but even if I don’t have a chance to fight him, I’m ready to fight anybody else. And I’m going to just run over them, smash them.
“Christian Lee, hold your belt tightly. We’re coming for it.”
Sam-A Finds Redemption, Eyes One More World Title Run
Sam-A Gaiyanghadao once again proved that greatness does not fade. It adapts.
At 42 years old, the former two-sport, two-division ONE World Champion delivered one of the most dramatic finishes of the night, overcoming a knockdown to score a stunning knockout against Elmehdi “The Sniper” El Jamari in a strawweight Muay Thai thriller.
That bout’s conclusion shocked everyone. Even the Thai legend was surprised to see the battle end the way that it did:
“I did not expect to get the knockout because I thought it was going to be a longer fight. But I saw the opening, so I went for it.
“I am aware that he is an aggressive fighter. I also noticed that whenever he threw a punch, his guard would be a bit down, so I was waiting for the opening to counteract that.”
That opening was no accident. It came from preparation, repetition, and experience.
After dropping his opponent twice in the second frame, Sam-A found himself on the canvas in a sudden reversal. But rather than unravel, he stayed composed and relied on his veteran instincts.
He explained:
“The only thing I was thinking was that I would have to survive the round.
“I’m very happy to be the proof that age is just a number. I’m also very happy to be able to fight younger generations, and I feel like I still can keep fighting for a long time.”
The victory carried deeper meaning beyond the result. It reaffirmed his ability to compete with athletes in their prime and continue performing at the highest level.
Sam-A’s emotional reaction after the second-round triumph reflected the weight of that moment. The US$50,000 performance bonus from ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong only magnified that.
Now, his focus shifts back to the gold he once proudly carried. While Aliff Sor Dechapan is seemingly set to challenge reigning ONE Strawweight Muay Thai World Champion Prajanchai PongSuphan PK, the living legend is willing to wait for the winner.
He said:
“Definitely, the title shot is my dream, and whoever wins that fight, I will be there for the title shot.”
Leon Calls For Toughest Tests On Road Back To Gold
Dante Leon did exactly what he set out to do. The two-time IBJJF No-Gi World Champion returned to the global stage and reminded everyone why he belongs among the division’s elite.
He authored a composed and technical performance against Japanese rival Kenta Iwamoto, beating him once again in their welterweight submission grappling rematch. While the result came by decision, it was a battle defined by control, calculated risks, and constant submission threats.
The Canadian ace said:
“I’m excited to be back and excited to be back in the win column.”
The performance carries added weight when placed in context.
In his last appearance on the global stage, Leon pushed reigning ONE Welterweight Submission Grappling World Champion Tye Ruotolo to the limit in a tightly contested showdown at ONE Fight Night 31 last May. It was a clash that showcased just how close he already is to the division’s mountaintop.
Against Iwamoto, that level was evident again. Despite dealing with steady top pressure, Leon remained dangerous throughout the 10-minute contest, creating openings and threatening with submissions from every position.
He explained:
“I felt like I was close on some catches in the beginning of the match, and then I had a really, really deep bite on a triangle. I felt like he was kind of backing out of the ring, backing out of the ropes, which made it really hard to hang on to him, but we got really close to the finish there near the end.
“I felt like from the bottom, I was taking chances in trying to get towards submissions and trying to get to dominant positions.”
Those sequences reinforced a key point – even when not dictating position, Leon was dictating danger.
The performance also highlighted the level of competition he has consistently faced. Across multiple weight classes in ONE Championship, Leon has built his resume against premier competition.
Now, with another victory secured, his focus is clear. Leon is not looking for easy fights or a slow climb. He is chasing the toughest possible path back to the top:
“I want the toughest opponents that they can find me.”
