Two consecutive wins over a legend have left one fighter with a legitimate case that there is nobody left to prove himself against except a champion.
Abdulla Dayakaev closed out his rivalry with ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion Superlek with a second-round TKO at The Inner Circle 25, improving his record to 17-3. The finish came just 39 seconds into round two at Lumpinee Stadium when Superlek’s leg gave out during an exchange. It cut short a fight Dayakaev had expected to go the distance.
With that rivalry now closed, the 24-year-old Russian has set his sights on reigning ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Rambolek Chor Ajalaboon and Yod-IQ Or Pimolsri, who collide for the title at The Inner Circle 30 on September 11. Both men have beaten Dayakaev previously, though only Rambolek has finished him.
“I want a World Title shot. Since my last loss, I’ve won two fights in a row, and I’ve beaten a legendary fighter twice. The first time was a split decision, no problem. But this time, they can’t deny me,” he said.
Abdulla Dayakaev faces a crowded path to gold
Dayakaev’s timeline is complicated by Suakim PongSuphan PK’s win over Nabil Anane at the same Inner Circle 25 card, a result that earned Suakim the next crack at the bantamweight Muay Thai title ahead of him.
Whichever man leaves The Inner Circle 30 with the belt, Dayakaev believes he has already solved the puzzle that beat him once before.
“I respect him. I’m not saying he’s a bad fighter. He is a very smart fighter. But I believe, this time, I can win,” he said.
“I really want to show myself in a World Title fight. I want to get the answer, and I want to fight the winner.”
Superlek’s injury has not gone unacknowledged. Dayakaev wished his former rival a speedy recovery and said he hopes to see the Thai superstar continue competing in kickboxing, where he remains the reigning champion at 135 pounds, even as their own rivalry inside the Muay Thai ring has run its course.
This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM
