“I Have Never Run Away From Tough Opponents” – Shamil Gasanov Eyes To Get the Better of His Rival Matin Nguyen at ONE Fight Night 7

Shamil “The Cobra” Gasanov wants to resume his charge to the pinnacle of the featherweight MMA mountain by going a perfect 2-0 in the promotion at ONE Fight Night 7: Lineker vs. Andrade II on Prime Video next Friday, February 24.

The Russian athlete introduced himself to the global fanbase with a 129-second rear-naked choke win over former top-ranked featherweight contender “The Fighting God” Kim at ONE on Prime Video 3 last year. Coincidentally, the same card that unfolded laid the platform for the first chapter of the Lineker-Andrade rivalry. The fighting promotion has paired Gasanov against another knockout artist, Martin “The Situ-Asian” Nguyen, this time around.

Shamil Gasanov will be a real challenge for Martin Nguyen amid his off-form run

And though the Australian-Vietnamese slugger represents a huge step up in his career, “The Cobra” is ready to strike at any point in time, regardless of whether he leaves the global stage with his undefeated record intact.

“I do not think about my record. I just get ready for my fights, I go all in. I have never run away from tough opponents to keep a clean record,” the 27-year-old shared. Tough opponents are what he likes, and ‘The Situ-Asian,’ unquestionably fits into that category.

READ MORE – Martin Nguyen Reveals His “Main Focus” Ahead of His Fight With the Undefeated Shamil Gasanov

The former ONE Featherweight champion hasn’t been himself as of late, but he’s still keen to regain the featherweight crown. The Sydney native has only recorded three victories from his last seven fights, while three of the four defeats ended in knockout.

The task won’t be easy for Shamil Gasanov as well

Despite Nguyen’s recent form, the knockout specialist remains one of the toughest men to beat within the featherweight ranks. Something the Russian phenom has taken note of. So whether he succumbs to a defeat or triumphs past another top star in ONE, Gasanov feels like his goal at the organization will still be on track.

 Defeats, after all, have been an integral part of the early developments in his martial arts career. And if history repeats itself, “The Cobra” feels it will only make him even more motivated to strengthen into a different breed. 

READ MORE – Mikey Musumeci To Defend Submission Grappling World Title Against Osamah Almarwai At ONE Fight Night 10

Who do you think will win the highly anticipated fight? Catch him in action at ONE Fight Night 7: Lineker vs. Andrade II on Prime Video next Friday, February 24.