ONE Championship: Ortikov vows no repeat of fifth-round lapse in title rematch - Bangkok Post

Aslamjon Ortikov poses during his open workout at TC Muay Thai in Bangkok ahead of his November 20 rematch with Asadula Imangazaliev Aslamjon Ortikov has vowed to avoid another late lapse when he challenges Asadula Imangazaliev for ONE Championship’s flyweight Muay Thai title again, admitting he eased off in their first fight because he thought he had won.

The rematch headlines The Inner Circle 39 on November 20 at Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium, with the world title and a place in the Grand Prix semi-finals both at stake.

“I think I didn’t throw enough in the last fight, especially in the fifth round. I was too confident I was going to win, so I eased off,” Ortikov said after Monday’s open workout at TC Muay Thai in Bangkok.

“This time, I definitely won’t let the same mistake happen again.”

Imangazaliev claimed the vacant belt by split decision at The Inner Circle 20 on June 26, fighting through a broken nose to hand Ortikov the first defeat of his professional career.

The scorecards underline the importance of the round Ortikov has identified. Shane Byrne scored the fight 48-47 for Imangazaliev and Ricky Sewell had it 49-47, while Abby Nelson favoured Ortikov 48-47.

Both judges who backed the Russian awarded him the fifth round; Nelson gave it to Ortikov. All three had scored the third round for the challenger, and two gave him the fourth.

The verdict drew boos from sections of the crowd and objections from Ortikov’s supporters, but ONE chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong said he believed Imangazaliev had done enough.

“I thought that Asadula won the fight, but by the thinnest of margins,” Chatri told the Bangkok Post in June, confirming that a rematch would be booked.

Ortikov, 23, remains the division’s No 1 contender. The Uzbek had won all 10 of his ONE appearances before his first title challenge, including victories over Kongthoranee Sor Sommai and Jordan Estupinan.

The champion has won all nine of his bouts in the promotion and will be making his first defence.

Ortikov said he had been preparing since their first meeting, dividing his training between TC Muay Thai and Silk Muay Thai to sharpen his skills against other professional fighters at his level.

He also dismissed concerns about making the flyweight limit, saying he did not have much weight to lose.

“I’ve never had a problem with my weight, because I don’t have to cut much. Everything is very comfortable,” he said.

The winner will face Black Panther or Ubaid Hussain, who meet in the other quarter-final on the November 20 card.

ONE has confirmed the world title will remain at stake throughout the tournament, so victory would require Ortikov to defend the gold as he pursues the separate Grand Prix belt.

On the other side of the draw, Rodtang Jitmuangnon faces Nong-O Hama and Shimon Yoshinari meets Ramadan Ondash at The Inner Circle 38 on November 13.

For Ortikov, the immediate goal is unchanged.

“I haven’t planned for anything else. My only goal is to take the belt. This is my dream,” he said.

“I’m ready to do whatever it takes, whether I have to win by knockout or fight all five rounds. I don’t mind. The most important thing is winning the world championship belt.”