Shamil Gasanov hungry for growth despite win at ONE Fight Night 26 

Fourth-ranked featherweight MMA star Shamil Gasanov showed a whole new level to his talents at ONE Fight Night 26. But he believes the best version of himself has yet to come. 

“The Cobra” dispatched Halil Amir last Friday, December 6, inside Bangkok, Thailand’s Lumpinee Stadium, earning a unanimous decision over his tough Turkish adversary.

But Gasanov doesn’t just want to be good enough to hang with the upper echelon. He’s utilized his incredible wrestling pedigree to reach this level. Now the Russian standout wants to be even better. 

“Wrestling was an integral part of my game plan from the start. I needed to take him down and make him work on the ground to wear him out,” Gasanov said.

“I want to develop in all areas, but especially in my wrestling. The level I have now isn’t enough for me – I want to be even better.”  

Shamil Gasanov has his eyes on ONE Featherweight MMA World Title

Shamil Gasanov has been climbing the ONE Championship featherweight MMA bracket ever since his arrival two years back. After victory at ONE Fight Night 26, he teased that he’s closer than ever to being the next challenger for the division’s crown. 

The upcoming year may be the time he finally gets his chance to vie for the ONE Featherweight MMA World Title.  

But he’ll have to remain patient as reigning king Tang Kai prepares to defend his crown against unbeaten challenger Akbar Abdullaev at ONE Fight Night 27 this January.  

“I just had some good news that you’re all going to hear about soon as well,” Gasanov said. 

“So look out, because I’m ready to fight for the title.”