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Former inaugural ONE bantamweight kickboxing champion Alaverdi Ramazanov is ready to challenge Nong-O Gaiyanghadao for the division's Muay Thai crown. The Russian striker believes he's a different caliber of fighter compared to the divisional king.
'Babyface Killer' will headline the ONE Friday Fights 1 event in what will serve as his second main event inside the circle. Meanwhile, Nong-O enters the bout having never lost under ONE's banner, going a perfect 9-0.
Alaverdi Ramazanov is riding a two-fight winning streak into the Muay Thai title fight. He asserted to the promotion that he and Nong-O are of different calibers:
"Nong-O and I are fighters of a different caliber. He is not a bad striker. He goes back and forth a lot. I have a very different style of fighting."
The Russian striker rebounded in a big way after losing his belt to Capitan Petchyindee Academy, avenging his loss to Petchyindee and beating Pongsiri P.K.Saenchaimuaythaigym via knockout.
Nong-O hopes to test Alaverdi Ramazanov's chin early
The bantamweight Muay Thai king hopes to extend his four-fight knockout streak by testing Ramazanov's chin early on in the fight.
He told ONE Championship:
“His strength is his speed, quick step in-out and dangerous punch. He is able to maintain his good standard in fighting. In his fight with Capitan [Petchyindee], he had a very good game plan and adjustment to handle the opponent. That’s why he won that fight.”
The champ added:
“I think Alaverdi would have a full energy in the first and second rounds. But my game plan is to let him eat my clean and heavy shots a few times. And I'll see how he will react. Then go to the next step of my game plan.”
The Thai legend earned a $50,000 performance bonus in his most-recent outing, putting Liam Harrison away with a devastating leg kick in the opening round.
Be sure to tune in to ONE Friday Fights 1 on January 20 to watch the bantamweight Muay Thai world title fight between top-contender Alaverdi Ramazanov and longtime champ Nong-O, live from Lumpinee Stadium.
Watch Alaverdi Ramazanov's stellar knockout over Pongsiri P.K. below:
