Undefeated Uzbekistani powerhouse Aslamjon Ortikov’s confidence ahead of his upcoming shot at ONE World Title glory is sky high. He, however, was quick to explain that the belief is not built on talk. It is built on work.
The youngster extended his career record to a flawless 24-0 with a TKO of Colombian striker Jordan “Panda Kick” Estupinan at 2:06 of round two in their flyweight Muay Thai showdown at ONE Fight Night 43: Tang vs. Gasanov on Prime Video inside Bangkok’s legendary Lumpinee Stadium on Friday, May 15.
The destructive triumph pushed Ortikov’s ONE Championship winning streak to ten. To make matters sweeter, the 23-year-old earned a long-awaited shot at the vacant ONE flyweight Muay Thai world title.
“El Pantera” will cross paths with fellow undefeated star Asadula Imangazaliev at The Inner Circle on June 26. For Ortikov, the journey to this moment has been built around one simple philosophy.
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Speaking to Nick Atkin, the Uzbekistani martial artist broke down where his confidence comes from.
“Definitely. Why not, bro? I believe in myself. I’m training every single day for this. I’m not walking outside, or I’m not doing any other things. I am training for my dream. Of course, I’m going to be confident in myself,” Aslamjon Ortikov said.
Watch his backstage interview with Atkin here:
Aslamjon Ortikov’s discipline could be the foundation of his world title reign
The clarity behind those words is exactly what separates Aslamjon Ortikov from the chasing pack in ONE Championship’s ultra-competitive flyweight Muay Thai division.
The youngster clearly has the mental strength that matches his insane knockout power and world-class durability. Now, he needs to put that on show to secure the biggest win of his career and walk out of the iconic venue with gold wrapped around his waist.
Make no mistake, Imangazaliev will be no walk in the park. The Russian, known as “The Dagestan Ninja,” possesses match-ending ability, an iron chin, and fearlessness to stand and bang with anyone in front of him.
At The Inner Circle on June 26, one man leaves the ring with 26 pounds of gold. The other will suffer the first setback of their career. Two strikers who love to put on a show will go to war, and fight fans should be in for an absolute treat.
Edited by Steffi
