Shamil Erdogan’s path in the all-encompassing sport of mixed martial arts started like most fighters in his home region, but he has been thriving in a way that only a few have.

Live on U.S. primetime on Friday, September 6, the undefeated Russian is set to face former two-division World Champion Aung La N Sang in a middleweight MMA battle at ONE 168: Denver – ONE Championship’s triumphant return to North America that will go down inside Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado.

Shamil Erdogan’s transition from wrestling to a new combat sport

Hailing from the Russian Republic of Dagestan, Erdogan started his martial arts journey in wrestling at the age of 12. He admittedly struggled at first, but with the help of his father, he eventually found success in the sport.

Speaking in an interview with ONE, the 34-year-old shared his most significant memory from that time. “At a young age, I joined the Russian national team and stayed there until I was offered to join the Turkish national team. The most memorable medal for me is [a bronze] from the World Championship,” he said.

Erdogan found success in wrestling, despite the notoriously high level of athletes around him, but he soon outgrew the grappling art. Looking back, the Kremost Fight Club athlete recalls how his interest began to wander and focus on another sport.

Erdogan eyes 10th straight win and potential title shot at ONE 168

“At some point, I got bored with wrestling. It did not and could not give me the emotions I get in MMA,” Erdogan said. “In the beginning, I tried to mix wrestling with my MMA career, but the further I got, the more it became clear that I had to choose one or the other. I am grateful to wrestling for everything that it has given me, but my choice, even against the will of my father, was to go for MMA.”

Since his move to mixed martial arts, Erodgan has amassed a perfect 9-0 slate that includes a second-round knockout win against Fan Rong in his ONE Championship debut at ONE Friday Fights 22 in June 2023. He clearly has a knack for MMA, but he never forgets to credit his wrestling background for setting him up.

A 10th successive win, coming over a ONE Championship legend like Aung La N Sang at ONE 168, will undoubtedly set Erdogan on course for a shot at gold in the promotion. So fans can expect him to utilize every skill and weapon he has to get it on September 6.