Anar Mammadov Returns To The Inner Circle 18 Hungrier And Sharper After Yodlekpet Defeat
Anar Mammadov does not remember the Yodlekpet fight as a defeat. He remembers it as a fight he was winning until a single knockdown changed the scorecards. That distinction has driven everything since.
The Azerbaijani striker returns to flyweight Muay Thai action against Tomyamkoong Bhumjaithai in the main event of The Inner Circle 18 on Friday, June 12, live in Asia primetime from Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
His debut at ONE Friday Fights 128 last October announced him with a thunderous knockout of veteran Komawut FA Group. The Yodlekpet fight that followed was a harder education, but Mammadov took it on the chin and returned to Azerbaijan to reset properly — time with family, training at the beach, and a clarity of purpose that has produced the sharpest version of himself heading into Friday.
“Although I lost, I must say it was a great fight against Yodlekpet. It was such an experience,” Mammadov said. “Both physically and mentally, I’m at the highest level heading into this fight. I’m in the best shape right now.”
Tomyamkoong arrives as the most dangerous opponent Mammadov has faced in the promotion. The 22-year-old PK Saenchai Muaythaigym product dropped his first two ONE appearances before stringing together three consecutive wins, two by stoppage, building a reputation for aggressive forward pressure and first-round finishing ability that has made him a genuine contract contender. His footwork, clinch work, and knee attacks are all qualities Mammadov has studied and accounted for in camp.
“He has really good footwork, he has good knees, and he’s very solid in the clinch,” Mammadov said. “But that’s why I’ve prepared a program with my coach. I hope it’s going to work out. Some are saying that I’m old and he’s young, and they think I’m going to get tired. But I don’t think that’s going to happen.”
The plan for managing Tomyamkoong’s preferred distance is not complex. When the Thai tries to close and clinch, Mammadov intends to meet him with something he will not expect.
“I know that it’s going to be hard to beat him in the clinch. But if he tries to get close to me and clinch, I’m going to punch him,” Mammadov said. “I’m going to beat him. If I’m able to land good shots, I might even knock him out.”
A win on Friday accomplishes two things simultaneously. It moves Mammadov closer to the US$100,000 contract he has been targeting since arriving in the promotion, and it reopens the door to the rematch he has not stopped thinking about.
“I think that match was very close. I was dominating the fight until the knockdown,” Mammadov said. “If ONE Championship is okay with it, I want that rematch.”
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