Abdulla Dayakaev Poised for ONE World Title Shot After Dominating Rival

Following two decisive wins against a legendary opponent, Abdulla Dayakaev has solidified his claim for a ONE World Championship title shot. The 24-year-old Russian secured his seventeenth professional victory, bringing his record to 17-3, with a second-round TKO against ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion Superlek at The Inner Circle 25. The fight concluded swiftly in the second round when Superlek's leg gave out during an exchange, ending the bout sooner than Dayakaev anticipated.

With his rivalry against Superlek now settled, Dayakaev has his sights set on the upcoming ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Championship bout between Rambolek Chor Ajalaboon and Yod-IQ Or Pimolsri at The Inner Circle 30 on September 11. Both of these fighters have previously defeated Dayakaev, with Rambolek being the only one to finish him. Dayakaev expressed his strong desire for a title fight, stating, "I want a World Title shot. Since my last loss, I’ve won two fights in a row, and I’ve beaten a legendary fighter twice. The first time was a split decision, no problem. But this time, they can’t deny me."

However, Dayakaev's path to the championship is somewhat complex. Suakim PongSuphan PK's victory over Nabil Anane at The Inner Circle 25 has earned him the next opportunity at the bantamweight Muay Thai title, placing him ahead of Dayakaev in the pecking order. Regardless of who emerges victorious from The Inner Circle 30, Dayakaev is confident in his ability to overcome the fighter who previously bested him. "I respect him. I’m not saying he’s a bad fighter. He is a very smart fighter. But I believe, this time, I can win," he commented. He added, "I really want to show myself in a World Title fight. I want to get the answer, and I want to fight the winner."

Dayakaev also extended well wishes to Superlek for a swift recovery from his injury, expressing hope that the Thai star will continue his kickboxing career where he remains the reigning 135-pound champion, even as their personal rivalry in Muay Thai has concluded.

Translation:

After achieving two consecutive wins over a legendary fighter, Abdulla Dayakaev has made a strong case that there's no one left for him to prove himself against except a champion. The 24-year-old Russian fighter concluded his series with ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion Superlek with a second-round TKO at The Inner Circle 25, improving his record to 17-3. The fight ended just 39 seconds into the second round at Lumpinee Stadium when Superlek's leg gave out during an exchange, cutting short a bout Dayakaev had anticipated would go the distance.

With that rivalry now settled, Dayakaev has set his sights on the reigning ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champions Rambolek Chor Ajalaboon and Yod-IQ Or Pimolsri, who are scheduled to collide for the title at The Inner Circle 30 on September 11. Both fighters have defeated Dayakaev in the past, with Rambolek being the only one to have finished him. "I want a World Title shot. Since my last loss, I’ve won two fights in a row, and I’ve beaten a legendary fighter twice. The first time was a split decision, no problem. But this time, they can’t deny me," he stated.

Dayakaev's timeline for a title shot is complicated by Suakim PongSuphan PK's win over Nabil Anane on the same Inner Circle 25 card, a result that positioned Suakim ahead of Dayakaev for the next crack at the bantamweight Muay Thai title. Regardless of who wins the belt at The Inner Circle 30, Dayakaev believes he has already figured out the puzzle that defeated him previously. "I respect him. I’m not saying he’s a bad fighter. He is a very smart fighter. But I believe, this time, I can win," he said. He added, "I really want to show myself in a World Title fight. I want to get the answer, and I want to fight the winner."

Superlek's injury has not been overlooked. Dayakaev wished his former rival a speedy recovery and expressed his hope that the Thai superstar would continue competing in kickboxing, where he remains the reigning 135-pound champion, even as their Muay Thai rivalry has run its course.