ONE: Alaverdi Ramazanov Ready To Become A Champion

When Alaverdi Ramazanov set out on his career as a kickboxer, the ultimate goal was to become a world champion.

On Friday at ONE: Mark of Greatness, Ramazanov can achieve that goal when he meets Zhang Chenglong for the inaugural ONE bantamweight kickboxing championship.

The event takes place from inside the Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

“My only goal now is the ONE belt,” Ramazanov said.

“I am really motivated to go to the end for it. I do not care how I win, as long as I get to show my level and as long as I prove that I am better – that I am a higher level martial artist.”

Alaverdi Ramazanov Vs. Zhang Chenglong Trailer

The Venum Training Camp Thailand-trained “Babyface Killer” comes from the battlegrounds of the Dagestan republic of Russia. There, he grew up as a swimmer before shifting his focus to Muay Thai.

Ramazanov is a three-time IFMA World Champion and has trained in Thailand since he was 21 years old under the careful eyes of Mehdi Zatout, Fahdi Khaled and Jafar Gabbassov.

Earlier this year, after suffering a tough split decision setback to Kongsak, Ramazanov rebounded with a thrilling first round finish over Ognjen Topic at ONE: Dreams of Gold. That was his 60th career Muay Thai victory.

“I have been striving for this for a very long time, and now, this time has come,” Ramazanov said.

“And I will do everything to take this golden belt.”

Ramazanov made his first mark on the ONE Championship fan base with a victory over Petchmorakot at ONE: Kingdom of Heroes in Bangkok, Thailand in 2018.

Alaverdi Ramazanov Vs. Petchmorrakot

“It was always going to be just another bout for Petchmorakot, but for me, facing him was a big deal – I had to show up and make a name for myself,” he said.

“One of the most memorable moments was absorbing his elbow. The referee had to stop the bout twice to let a doctor examine my injury. I was ready to go, but I remember thinking at that very moment that my destiny was in the hands of this doctor, and his decision of whether to let me continue or not.

“He let me carry on, so I had a chance to compete until the end and get the win.”

ONE: Mark of Greatness will also feature a bout between Sam-A Gaiyanghadao and Wang Junguang for the inaugural ONE strawweight kickboxing title.

Dana Becker

The world of MMA is one of the few sports that brings together people from all walks of life. I try my best to tell those stories and also present breaking news to the masses.