“Going to Get This Belt”- Alibeg Rasulov Gives Sincere Opinion on Fighting Christian Lee as World Title Goal Remains Intact After Important Win at One Fight Night 23

A newcomer to the promotion, Alibeg Rasulov, proved his dominance last week at ONE Fight Night 23. He extended his undefeated streak to a perfect 14-0 by defeating former ONE lightweight MMA king Ok Rae Yoon. This victory could have earned him the ONE Interim Lightweight MMA World Championship, but he was not eligible for the prize after he failed hydration tests prior to the match. Nevertheless, it put him in prime position for a shot at the undisputed divisional titleholder, Christian Lee.

In the post-fight press conference, Rasulov set his sights on a match against the talented two-division champ.

Alibeg Rasulov sets sights on Christian Lee’s Belt

In their 25-minute war, Ok Rae Yoon entered the octagon hoping to secure a trilogy fight against Christian Lee. However, Rasulov ruggedly attacked Ok inside the circle, using boxing and close-range elbow strikes that damaged the Koraen’s face. Despite not showing his pain, Ok Rae Yoon managed to recover in the later rounds, giving a toe-to-toe competition to Alibeg Rasulov. Unfortunately, it was too late; Rasulov had already done enough damage in the early rounds to secure the win.

In the post-fight interview, the reporter pressed Rasulov about the possibility of facing Christian Lee. Alibeg Rasulov responded, “It’s not about Christian Lee. It’s all about the belt. I’m going to face anyone who holds the belt, and I’m going to get this belt.” This quote highlights Rasulov’s unwavering determination in his sport.

However,  Rasulov missed the weight-cut deadline for the interim lightweight MMA championship, rendering him ineligible to win the belt. Despite making weight and passing hydration tests, he did so after the official window closed on weigh-in day. This was addressed by him in his post-fight press conference

Rasulov admits weigh-in mistake after beating Ok Rae Yoon

Last Friday, the Turkish fighter mauled Ok in their ONE lightweight MMA fight. After experiencing his first victory on the global stage of the ONE Championship, Alibeg Rasulov also understood the consequences of his actions. Before the fight, he faced some problems, which he later addressed to the press.

When a reporter asked him about the issues, he explained that it was his first fight in the ONE Championship, and he had never experienced the hydration tests before. Furthermore, Rasulov said, “So that’s why I had to cut weight twice. And, you know, that’s why I’m saying I could do much better. But at the same time, it’s a good experience. I will do much better in the future.“

Despite all these problems, the 31-year-old Dagestani fighter emerged victorious and now sets his sights on the ONE Lightweight MMA World Title currently held by Christian Lee. We’ll have to wait and see when ONE announces this fight. Stay tuned for further updates.