Asadula Imangazaliev Calls for Title Shot After Kongthoranee Finish
Championship ambition doesn’t wait for permission, and Asadula Imangazaliev made his intentions crystal clear following Friday’s knockout of Kongthoranee Sor Sommai at ONE Fight Night 39: Rambolek vs. Dayakaev on Prime Video. The undefeated Russian became the first fighter to finish the three-time Rajadamnern Stadium World Champion in ONE. He stopped him with devastating body shots in round two before immediately declaring himself ready for the vacant ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title.
The $50,000 performance bonus from ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong validated what the 22-year-old already knew. His systematic dismantling of a legend nobody else could finish proved he operates at championship level. When asked about breaking Kongthoranee’s legendary defense, Imangazaliev pointed to three months of Thailand-based preparation specifically targeting this matchup.
“Before the fight, I understood that he’s a very tough opponent because nobody has finished him,” Imangazaliev explained. “And I had a goal, I wanted to finish him, and I did my work. I prepared for this moment. I came to Thailand three months before the fight and trained so hard, and you can see what I did.”
The finish came through precise execution of corner advice from Mehdi Zatout, who identified body vulnerability beneath Kongthoranee’s excellent head defense.
“I saw that he had a good block for his head, but my cornerman, my brother Mehdi, told me to give him body shots,” Imangazaliev shared. “And two, three times I gave, and I saw his face change. Then I understood what I needed to do.”
The performance accomplished exactly what the Dagestani intended, demonstrating championship-level separation from divisional contenders.
“When I came today, I wanted to show people this game has levels, and my level, champion’s level,” Imangazaliev declared. “I want [a] title shot.”
But the Russian’s ambitions extend beyond simply claiming vacant gold. He openly called out Rodtang Jitmuangnon, declaring the flyweight division needs new championship leadership.
“Now I won [against] two legends, and I want to win [against] one more legend, Rodtang,” Imangazaliev stated. “And I’ll come for him soon, Inshallah. I respect him, but in the flyweight division, it needs a new champion.”
Whether facing Rodtang, Nong-O Hama, or any other available contender matters little to someone who studies opponents meticulously then executes game plans without surprises.
“I don’t care. Just send me a name, and I’ll come show my level,” Imangazaliev declared.
His practical plans for the $50,000 bonus reveal grounded priorities. He’ll change his car and help his family before turning full attention back to championship pursuits. The financial reward represents validation, but the immediate title shot he’s demanding represents the real prize worth claiming.
With his perfect 11-0 record now including finishes of multiple legends, Imangazaliev established himself as the flyweight division’s most dangerous threat. Whether ONE Championship grants the immediate title shot or demands another elite victim first, the undefeated Russian made clear he’s ready for whatever comes next.
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