Martin Nguyen Believes He’s One More Win Away From a Shot at Tang Kai’s Featherweight Crown, Names Gasanov or Tonon As Next Target

Martin “The Situ-Asian” Nguyen is brimming with confidence after returning to the winner’s column against Leonardo Casotti at ONE Fight Night 7: Lineker vs. Andrade II on Prime Video last month.

The former two-division king showcased portions of his old self as he thumped away at his debuting Brazilian foe on his way to earning a unanimous decision win.

The triumphant result, his 15th career victory, was of utmost importance for Nguyen as he looks to maneuver his way towards a shot at ONE Featherweight World Champion Tang Kai.

The #3-ranked featherweight contender feels he has to tick another name off his list before he can earn his chance to take on the Chinese superstar, however, and he’s named two of the division’s biggest stars as his next focus.

Martin Nguyen announces his intentions to endeavor for the title challenge

The Kill Cliff FC representative told ONE Championship:

“[#5-ranked] Shamil Gasanov, [#2-ranked] Garry Tonon. They’re my potential next opponents.”

“I think one more [victory]. One more would solidify my title shot against Tang Kai.”

At ONE on Prime Video 2: Xiong vs. Lee III last September, Nguyen suffered a setback when he fell to first-round TKO loss against promotional newcomer Ilya Freymanov.

That defeat derailed his plans to mount another push to the top of the featherweight mountain. But Nguyen was determined to ensure that loss wouldn’t tarnish his reputation as one of the most dangerous men in the division.

Read More: Epic Fights From ONE Fight Night 7 – Tawanchai’s Destructive KO, Lineker-Andrade Firefight, And Langaker’s Insane Heel Hook

And his strong showing inside the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium at ONE Fight Night 7 reminded fans, and ONE’s higher-ups, that he still has the fire to compete.

But Gasanov and Tonon would provide the 34-year-old with an interesting set of challenges, meaning his road to redemption could be a long and winding one from here.

“The Cobra” would want to protect his undefeated slate if he came up against Nguyen, and his strong submission game could push the former divisional titleholder into deep waters.

Also, he was scheduled to take on “The Situ-Asian” last month before he had to pull out due to injury, so the Russian would have even more motivation to impress.

Meanwhile, Nguyen would have to tackle Tonon’s grappling wizardry head-on. And the American veteran is hungry to add a second win on the trot to his slate after his impressive showing against Johnny Nunez this past January, making him even more dangerous.

Despite those obvious areas of concern, Nguyen is game to continue his charge against Tonon or Gasanov, with the ultimate goal of reclaiming the ONE Featherweight World Title on his mind.