Third-ranked flyweight Sanzhar Zakirov will face fifth-ranked Hu Yong in a pivotal MMA bout at ONE Fight Night 36: Prajanchai vs. Di Bella II on Friday, October 3, at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Zakirov enters with a perfect professional record and has maintained his undefeated status through six consecutive victories in ONE Championship across flyweight and strawweight divisions.
The 22-year-old Uzbek fighter earned his lucrative six-figure contract after a dominant run through ONE Friday Fights. Zakirov has shown finishing ability throughout his career, including a knockout victory over veteran Eko Roni Saputra and a decision win over Tatsumitsu Wada.
Zakirov's most recent performance came against Bokang Masunyane at ONE Fight Night 30 in April, where he proved he belongs among the division's elite contenders.
Hu, on the other hand, represents a significant step up in competition for the undefeated prospect. The 29-year-old Chinese striker has established himself as one of the division's most dangerous finishers during his promotional tenure.
The Beijing native has compiled impressive victories over former ONE Flyweight MMA World Champion Geje Eustaquio and scored a spectacular 63-second knockout of Saputra with a perfectly timed left hook.
Hu previously challenged ONE Flyweight MMA World Champion Yuya Wakamatsu in a closely contested bout and is seeking another opportunity at championship gold.
The matchup pits two top-five contenders with proven finishing ability in ONE's competitive flyweight division. For Zakirov, victory would further cement his status as a legitimate title threat while maintaining his perfect record.
Hu has the opportunity to move higher in the rankings with a statement performance against the undefeated star.
Both fighters have demonstrated the ability to end fights in spectacular fashion, with Zakirov showing technical prowess and relentless pace while Hu brings explosive knockout power and well-rounded skills.
The winner will position themselves favorably for future title consideration in the talent-rich 135-pound division.
