Unbeaten Turkish star Dzhabir Dzhabrailov impressed the world with his back-to-back first-round finishes in ONE Championship’s Friday Fights series, but he isn’t fazed to remain perfect ahead of his debut on the promotion’s global roster this weekend.
The 5-0 mixed martial artist meets Argentina’s Nicolas Vigna in lightweight action at ONE Fight Night 32: Nakrob vs. Jaosuayai this Saturday, 7th June, inside Bangkok, Thailand’s Lumpinee Stadium.
In combat sports, an undefeated slate has a certain allure, as fans both hope to see it extended and want it to be broken in equal measure. But Dzhabrailov doesn’t view his 0 as anything close to a burden.
“Since my last fight, there’s been more attention. I met people who support me at this stage in my career. I got more followers on social media. More people recognize me. It’s all been a positive development,” he opined.
“I don’t focus on my record or the zero in the defeats column. It’s just a number. A fighter’s level isn’t defined by that zero. Many fighters can benefit from losses and come back better. I’m not afraid to lose – but I also know that I want to win more than my opponent does.”
Despite all five wins coming by knockout, Dzhabrailov insists he doesn’t step into action expecting a finish.
In a sport as dynamic as MMA, a fight can go anywhere at any time. So, the 20-year-old talent is always ready for anything.
With that, he feels confident in his abilities regardless of what happens against Vigna this weekend and believes his hunger to succeed will get him the win.
“I never focus on a knockout or any specific type of finish. I always enter the ring mentally prepared for three solid rounds. Once I’m in there, I act based on the situation while sticking to the plan. The last two fights went well for me. Of course, I’d love to win by knockout, but I’ll be ready for all three rounds,” Dzhabrailov said.
“My confidence comes from how badly I want to win. I know how much I want this. My opponent doesn’t want it as much. He doesn’t need it like I do. I’m ready to knock down anyone standing in my way. I’m 100 percent prepared for this clash.”
