Tagir Khalilov: "A huge motivation" - Russian brawler Tagir Khalilov says fatherhood inspired him to do more in his career and community

Tagir Khalilov doesn't have to look too far for motivation as he heads into his next assignment at ONE Fight Night 32 on Friday, June 6.

For the Russian striker, inspiration comes in the form of his young son, Malik. That thought alone fuels his drive as he prepares to face Chinese newcomer Liao Shixu in a 140-pound catchweight Muay Thai bout, airing live in U.S. primetime from the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

Since the birth of his son, the 32-year-old has viewed his fighting career as a means to build a better future for his family.

Khalilov stated this in an interview with ONE Championship:

Get the latest updates on One Championship Rankings at Sportskeeda and more

"Yes, I became a father, and that's been a huge motivation. Everything I do now is with my son in mind."

Fatherhood, they say, changes everything — and Khalilov agrees. It has not only transformed his life at home but also shaped him into a more grounded member of the community. He added:

"I've always been involved in social work and community projects, and I still am. Sometimes, it's non-stop — morning to night, with barely any time to rest — but I've learned how to recover when I need to. After this, I'm planning to take a proper break for at least a week, just to spend time with my family."

Tagir Khalilov seeks to redeem himself at ONE Fight Night 32

As he returns to the ring at ONE Fight Night 32 on Friday, Tagir Khalilov is determined to refresh his public image and prove he's far from finished.

Known for his lightning-quick strikes and lethal finishing ability, Khalilov has shared the stage with some of the sport's finest — most notably pushing Thai superstar Rodtang Jitmuangnon to a razor-thin split decision in his promotional debut.

Now reeling from a two-fight skid, the seasoned veteran is more eager than ever to showcase his skills that once made him one of the most feared strikers in the division.

ONE Fight Night 32 is available live and free to all Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada.

About the author

A sports journalist with over 10 years of experience, Nissi Icasiano has previously contributed to well-known platforms such as Rappler, Tiebreaker Times, International Business Times, ABS-CBN News, and currently, Sportskeeda. With a background in Legal Management, his attention to detail and thorough research shape his journalistic style.

Nissi specializes in MMA, particularly ONE Championship, and his love for the sport is evident in his in-depth coverage of its athletes and events. He has reported on major milestone events, including Demetrious Johnson’s final fight at ONE Championship's first U.S. event.

Nissi's hands-on experience in the sport of boxing enhances his understanding of combat sports. His dedication towards delivering informative and compelling content makes him a reliable source for MMA fans.

In his spare time, Nissi takes joy in spending time with his young daughter.

Know More

Follow One Championship News, Schedule & Results at Sportskeeda.

Edited by Tejas Rathi