Undefeated Russian striker Asadula Imangazaliev – a man Joe Rogan recently gushed about – shared heartfelt reflections on his father’s instrumental role in his martial arts journey.
He collides with living legend Nong-O Hama for the vacant ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title at ONE Friday Fights 147, which goes down at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand on Friday, 20 March.
The 22-year-old Dagestani native discussed how his father’s unfulfilled athletic dreams motivated him to ensure at least one of his three sons achieved sporting success at the world level.
Asadula Imangazaliev brings a perfect 11-0 professional striking record into this title opportunity. The Russian has claimed seven promotional victories with six finishes since his debut, including impressive wins over Thai veterans Kongthoranee Sor Sommai and Panpayak Jitmuangnon.
Asadula Imangazaliev Carries Father’s Unfulfilled Athletic Dreams
Asadula Imangazaliev explained how his father’s athletic background created expectations for his children. The middle child among three brothers discussed carrying forward his father’s unrealized sporting ambitions.
“When my father was younger, he was actively involved in sports and dreamed of achieving high-level success, but for various reasons, it didn’t work out. Because of that, he always hoped that one of his sons would continue that path,” Asadula Imangazaliev said.
Nong-O brings 267 career victories and a 12-4 promotional record into this title clash. The 39-year-old Thai legend previously held the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Championship eight times before moving down to flyweight seeking two-division glory.
Dagestani Fighter Asadula Imangazaliev Highlights Father’s Daily Sacrifice
Image Courtesy of ONE Championship.
Discussing the practical support his father provided during his developmental years, Asadula Imangazaliev noted the emotional and financial commitments required to nurture championship potential. The Russian contender credited his father’s daily dedication with shaping his current athletic success.
“My father played a huge role in this journey. He supported me emotionally and financially and came every day to another city to bring me back home. This stage of my life shaped me into the athlete I am today,” Imangazaliev explained.
Asadula Imangazaliev’s six finishes across seven promotional victories showcase devastating finishing ability that has overwhelmed quality opposition. The victories over former multiple-time Muay Thai World Champions Kongthoranee and Panpayak prove he can compete with the sport’s traditionalists.
Undefeated Striker Credits Training Move for Perfect Record
Imangazaliev discussed relocating from his hometown to Makhachkala at age 16 for higher-level training. He explained how that move preceded his undefeated professional run.
“Until the age of 16, I trained in my hometown, then I moved to Makhachkala to train at a higher level. Since making that move, I have not lost a single fight, and it became one of the most important decisions of my life,” he said.
The vacant title clash features a compelling generational narrative as the 22-year-old Russian seeks to begin his championship reign while the 39-year-old Thai legend pursues two-division glory. Imangazaliev’s father will witness whether his sacrifices produce a ONE world champion on March 20.
Watch ONE Friday Fights 147 live on beIN Sports USA at 7:30 a.m. ET/4:30 a.m. PT.