Multi-time Muay Thai world champion Elias Mahmoudi has fought the who's who of the sport on his way to greatness. As such, he isn't too impressed by what his upcoming foe brings to the table at ONE Fight Night 26.
The Algerian striker goes toe-to-toe with Canadian-Bosnian veteran Denis Puric in a flyweight Muay Thai joust on Dec. 6 inside the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Speaking to ONE Championship ahead of fight night, 'The Sniper' admitted that though he respects Puric as a fighter, there's nothing too extraordinary about him:
"I don't think there is anything special about him. I respect him as a fighter and for his career, but nothing more."
While he does seem to be getting ahead of himself, Elias Mahmoudi will be more than happy to walk the talk against the No.3-ranked fighter inside the Mecca of Muay Thai next week.
The 26-year-old bounced back from his latest setback with two highlight-reel finishes against Taiki Naito and Edgar Tabares on the global stage, and he hopes to make it three in a row against the very man standing across him next.
With a win over Puric, the No.5-ranked flyweight Muay Thai contender can make a case for himself to enter the world title picture, especially with the 26 pounds of gold currently searching for a new owner.
Denis Puric says 'tough' Elias Mahmoudi won't be a walk in the park
On the opposite corner, Denis Puric is game to shut Elias Mahmoudi down and fight his way into the world title picture.
Ideally, a knockout will be the perfect way for him to do just that. However, the Canadian-Bosnian veteran admits achieving that won't be as straightforward as it seems.
Speaking to ONE Championship separately, Puric noted:
"I don't think it's gonna go the distance, but it might. He's a tough guy."
ONE Fight Night 26 will be available to active Amazon Prime Video subscribers live in U.S. primetime for free on Friday, Dec. 6.