Anar Mammadov stormed into ONE Championship with a sensational promotional debut that demolished Komawut FA Group via destructive punches in less than two rounds at ONE Friday Fights 120. However, the Azerbaijani knockout artist believes his second act will prove even more devastating when he faces four-time Muay Thai World Champion Yodlekpet Or Atchariya at ONE Friday Fights 134 inside Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium on Friday, November 21.

The 29-year-old entered that debut bout looking to build his name while doubters questioned whether he belonged, yet walked out as a feared contender after silencing skeptics with explosive power that forced questions about his championship potential. That victory transformed from finish line into foundation as Mammadov sharpened his focus toward claiming his 13th career win against one of Thailand’s most dangerous pressure fighters.

“Nobody really believed in me, but I had to prove that I have something in me. I wanted to eliminate that doubt,” Mammadov said.

His confidence stems from how seamlessly he’s adapted to ONE’s 4-ounce gloves, which transform striking exchanges and dramatically amplify damage compared to the larger gloves he wore throughout 15 years of professional kickboxing. Those smaller gloves simply reveal strengths cultivated throughout his entire fighting career.

“Yes, I feel very comfortable in those 4-ounce gloves. I think they are perfect for me. I did professional kickboxing matches with big gloves for 15 years before this. When I saw these small gloves, I thought, ‘This is perfect for me,'” Mammadov said.

“Because I trust my punch flow and my punch technique. I’ve been working on it for years, and I believe I can be highly successful here. Even in amateur and professional kickboxing with big gloves, I could still beat my opponents. It’s much easier with the small gloves. I proved this both to myself and to the people watching.”

Facing Yodlekpet — a veteran with more than 130 professional bouts — gives the Azerbaijani a chance to measure himself against elite Thai striking while providing the platform to shock the world again. Mammadov’s studied his opponent closely and understands the threat, yet also sees opportunity where others see overwhelming experience.

“I believe I can show different things in the Yodlekpet match. Yodlekpet has an opposite guard, which might be a bit challenging, but he has a similar fighting style and height to Komawut. I also believe he is a veteran fighter. He’s been training with Komawut for 15 years, and he trusts his own techniques and combinations,” Mammadov said.

While many expect a center-line collision of power versus power, Mammadov sees the fight differently. His game is built on timing, precision, and choosing the perfect moment to unleash explosiveness — not on reckless brawling that abandons strategy for spectacle.

“I always like to fight smart. The power is not just in the arm, it’s also in the core and the technique. I like to use my power, but I prefer to use it at the right time and in the right place. It’s difficult to say exactly how the match will go right now. We will know at the beginning of the match, but I think my opponent will be caught in his mistakes,” Mammadov said.

Given the small gloves and both men’s ability ending the fight at any moment, the Azerbaijani believes another explosive finish is within reach through weapons beyond just his feared hands.

“People think that my main weapon is my hands, and I am dangerous with my fists. But I am also dangerous with my feet. However, in the inside game, it’s easier to show the power with the fist because the gloves are small. Anything can happen. I think I can finish it with my hands, but the feet and the knee strikes are always possible,” Mammadov said.

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