Debuting in ONE Championship is a significant deal in itself. But getting to fight for a World Title in your promotional bow makes it that much bigger – and Alibeg Rasulov is determined to make the most of it.
The Turkish star will contest the ONE Interim Lightweight MMA World Title against former divisional king Ok Rae Yoong in the main event of ONE Fight Night 23 on Saturday, 6th July, at Bangkok, Thailand’s Lumpinee Boxing Stadium, and he could soar to superstardom with a huge performance next month.
Rasulov quickly made a name for himself while amassing his 14-0 record. And though his upcoming fight may be considered the biggest of his career, he isn’t fazed by the pressure or the size of the task at hand.
“I’m very excited about it and happy to be given such an opportunity. I feel no pressure at all. It’s a good chance for me,” the Russian powerhouse stated.
“My goal in ONE Championship is to become a dominant champion. This win is very important for me. I will be ready.”
However confident Rasulov may be, the assignment that awaits the 31-year-old is no pushover at ONE Fight Night 23.
Ok has come up against the very best in ONE Championship. The South Korean holds wins over former World Champion Marat Gafurov, combat sports veteran Eddie Alvarez, and current two-weight ONE World Champion Christian Lee.
This is the kind of matchup Rasulov was looking for in his ONE Championship debut. But in analysing it, he believes Ok’s time has come and gone and that it’s his moment to stand out from the pack.
“He is a former champion, a good fighter, and he has beaten many high-level fighters,” Rasulov said.
“I was dreaming about such an opponent, so I was very happy when I received his name. I believe it’s my time and I will pass him.”
