Shamil Gasanov: Garry Tonon out to earn title shot with win over Shamil Gasanov: “I’ve got to maintain what I’ve built”

American submission artist Garry Tonon is determined to earn another shot at the ONE featherweight MMA world title. He looks to further underscore it with a convincing win in his scheduled match this week in Thailand.

The 33-year-old New Jersey native will battle Russian powerhouse Shamil Gasanov on Aug. 1 at ONE Fight Night 34: Eersel vs. Jarvis on Prime Video. It is a high-stakes match between two fighters out to solidify their respective thrusts at the top of the 155-pound division.

Entering ONE Fight Night 34, Tonon has won three straight matches after dropping back-to-back fights previously to get back in the conversation as a possible world title contender.

Speaking to the South China Morning Post, 'The Lion Killer' touched on the significance of his upcoming fight in relation to his world title goal, saying:

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

"For now, I’ve got to maintain what I’ve built, my streak, and then keep going until we get that belt, man. It’s kind of an interesting thing to see what has happened, you know, from the sidelines, where, you know, [featherweight world champion] Tang Kai lost but the other guy didn’t make weight, you know?"

Watch the full interview below:

Garry Tonon vied for the ONE featherweight MMA world title in March 2022 against former divisional king Thanh Le of the United States. He, however, lost in his bid, knocked out in the first round.

ONE Fight Night 34: Eersel vs. Jarvis will take place at the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok and is available live at U.S. primetime to North American fans with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription.

Garry Tonon seeks to stay ahead in head-to-head matchup with Shamil Gasanov at ONE Fight Night 34

Apart from enhancing his shot at the featherweight MMA world title, Garry Tonon also seeks to secure a win at ONE Fight Night 34 over Shamil Gasanov to stay ahead in their head-to-head matchup in ONE Championship.

The Evolve MMA/Team Renzo Gracie affiliate currently has the upper hand over 'The Cobra' after winning their first encounter in July 2023. He did it by way of an impressive kneebar in the second round that left Gasanov in excruciating pain.

Gasanov, however, has since rebounded big time from the loss, winning his next four matches. He said he has learned from his defeat to Tonon and is out to flip the script when they run it back at ONE Fight Night 34.

About the author

Michael Murillo is a journalist who covers basketball and MMA at Sportskeeda with over two decades of experience. Michael has contributed as a proofreader, columnist and journalist for the Philippine broadsheet BusinessWorld.

A graduate of the University of the Philippines with a degree in English Studies, basketball caught Michael's imagination from an early age. Varsity basketball helped Michael to express himself, and later, it opened doors into the world of journalism.

Michael has a particular admiration for the Phoenix Suns, inspired by Kevin Durant. Icons like Magic Johnson and modern legends like Durant have left an indelible mark on Michael for their revolutionary impact on the game.

Michael relies on the tried and tested method of thorough research to ensure accuracy in his content. He has interviewed multiple NBA players and officials with BusinessWorld, alongside athletes from various disciplines.

Michael's hobbies include traveling, hitting the gym and watching movies, and he spends much of his downtime seeing his family.

Know More

Follow One Championship News, Schedule & Results at Sportskeeda.

Edited by Aziel Karthak