Russian knockout artist “Samingpri” Tagir Khalilov is coming into the main event of ONE Fight Night 12 on Prime Video, riding a wave of momentum and loaded with confidence. This Friday, live in U.S. primetime from the historic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, the 30-year-old will square off with current flyweight kickboxing king and #1-ranked flyweight Muay Thai contender Superlek “The Kicking Machine” Kiatmoo9 in a high-stakes Muay Thai clash that promises fireworks.

A veteran of four thrilling striking fights in ONE, Khalilov has won two straight by way of first-round knockout. Importantly, those victories came against world-class Thai athletes Chorfah Tor Sangtiennoi and Black Panther, respectively.

Tagir Khalilov is confident about a victory and eyes a Rodtang Jitmuangnon bout next

Now, the hard-hitting Russian is primed and ready to claim his third consecutive victim and take out another beloved Thai hero. He said, “If I win, my reputation as ‘The Thai Killer’ will be reinforced even more. I’m ready to shock the world.”

Given Superlek’s impressive accolades, he is widely regarded as one of the planet’s top pound-for-pound strikers. But Khalilov isn’t intimidated by his foe and the considerable amount of hype around him. Because after making quick work of two of Thailand’s finest already, “Samingpri” knows he has what it takes to spring the upset on July 14.

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“I’m confident I can defeat Superlek. I’m at the peak of my career, and I’m very charged both physically and mentally. I’m ready to win.” What’s more, the Russian Muay Thai National Champion is well aware that a win over “The Kicking Machine” would put him on the doorstep of a crack at reigning ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon.

Tagir Khalilov is also eyeing to avenge his previous loss against Rodtang Jitmuangnon

Khalilov battled the Thai megastar in his promotional debut back in February 2021 at ONE: FISTS OF FURY, dropping a narrow split decision after three intense rounds of back-and-forth action. He has his sights firmly set on a rematch with “The Iron Man,” motivating him even more to score his third straight knockout at the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium.

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“Samingpri” added, “Victory should be one of the last steps on the way to the ONE Championship belt. My goal is to defeat Superlek, then meet Rodtang and take the belt away from him.”