“Samingpri” Tagir Khalilov joined the ONE Championship ranks with a vision of becoming a ONE Muay Thai World Champion – and that’s what he’s after next. The Russian striker’s confidence is at an all-time high after his first-round knockout of Chorfah Tor.Sangtiennoi at ONE 164: Pacio vs. Brooks on December 3, and he has his radar locked on some old foes as he looks to build momentum inside the Circle.

Khalilov had a difficult start to his ONE tenure. In his promotional debut, he succumbed to a loss at the hands of ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon. And eight months later, he once again found himself on the wrong side of the judges’ scorecards against Denis “The Bosnian Menace” Puric.

Tagir Kahlilov eyes the top spot of ONE replacing Rodtang Jitmuangnon

With his first win now under his belt, the 29-year-old slugger is eager to run it back with both fighters. Surprisingly though, he hasn’t put Rodtang at the top of his list. Instead, Khalilov says that he’d love to even the scores with Puric before looking for a five-round war against the Thai striking dynamo – and he has his reasons for that timeline.

“First, I need closure after losing to Puric. I do not think it was a definite loss. The ref decided there was a knockdown, which I do not agree with. However, in order to put it all behind me, I need to punish Denis Puric,” the Samingpri Muay Thai Gym athlete said.

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“Then, after I am done with him, I would like if the organization gives me the opportunity to fight Rodtang. I want to be number one and be the champion of ONE, and Rodtang has the belt that I want.”

Going for gold is never a straightforward task, and that counts double against a fighter of “The Iron Man’s” caliber.

Tagir Khalilov was excited about ONE Championship’s deal with Lumpinee

However, Khalilov has been honing his craft at a tremendous rate over the past 12 months, and his performance bonus-winning display in ONE’s final show of 2022 showcased his immense growth. And ONE Championship’s deal with Lumpinee – which will see the Singapore-based promotion host weekly events at the iconic venue – has the in-form striker fired up for the new year.

He promises more knockouts to come if he’s offered a chance to play a part in the exciting partnership.

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“The news about Lumpinee is very exciting. I would like to fight there – Lumpinee is the Mecca of Thai boxing. Every Muay Thai fighter wants to appear there at least once. I am sure ONE will put on great tournaments there,” Khalilov said.

“I want to grow as an athlete with ONE. I like this organization, it’s a great platform for young fighters like me. I’m ready to fight, and I promise to show more beautiful knockouts.”