Asadula Imangazaliev showcased a career-best performance at ONE Friday Fights 147 on March 20 in Bangkok, securing a devastating victory but leaving the Lumpinee Stadium without the coveted world title.
The 22-year-old Russian knockout specialist stopped Muay Thai legend Nong-O Hama just 44 seconds into the second round. However, despite his dominant win, Imangazaliev was denied the vacant ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Championship due to failing his pre-event hydration test, leaving the title unclaimed.
Dubbed “The Dagestan Ninja,” Imangazaliev showed no signs of apprehension, immediately asserting his dominance with an opening push kick to the face of the eight-time ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion, a clear declaration of his intent.
The 39-year-old Thai icon, Nong-O, responded with measured movements, engaging and disengaging while landing right body kicks to establish his rhythm against the unconventional Russian. For a moment, it appeared the veteran’s experience might prevail.
The second round, however, was brief and decisive. As the fighters exchanged strikes on the outside, Nong-O attempted a straight right to the body. Imangazaliev expertly anticipated this, stepping back to create an angle before unleashing a flawless three-strike combination: a left hook to the head, a right hook to the body, and another left hook to the head. Nong-O was rendered unconscious before falling, prompting the referee to immediately stop the fight.
This devastating finish elevated Imangazaliev’s pristine record to 12-0, with every single victory coming by stoppage. It solidified his reputation as the most formidable contender in the flyweight Muay Thai division, irrespective of the current title vacancy.
During his post-fight interview, “The Dagestan Ninja” expressed interest in challenging former divisional champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon for the vacant title, a matchup that would undoubtedly electrify the Lumpinee Stadium.
While the championship belt remains vacant for now, Friday night’s audience left with no doubt regarding the true caliber of the world’s best flyweight Muay Thai fighter.