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ONE lightweight contender and Dagestani MMA fighter Saygid Izagakhmaev made a strong statement the night of ONE 163. The Russian wrestler pretty much handily out-classed Japanese MMA legend and former ONE lightweight world champion Shinya Aoki.
After dropping 'Tobikan Judan' with a thunderous right hand, Izagakhmaev finished the night with heavy ground-and-pound that's synonymous with his team from Dagestan.
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Speaking of his team, in Izagakhmaev's corner that night was Islam Makhachev, the newly-crowned UFC lightweight champion. He is the second man to win a world title from their team, with the first being his and Saygid Izagakhmaev's mentor, the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Just recently, a third man from their Dagestani stable won another world title. Usman Nurmagomedov won the Bellator lightweight strap from Patricky ‘Pitbull’ Freire just a few days ago.
In his post-fight interview with ONE Championship, Saygid Izagakhmaev spoke about the power of the people behind him and what it takes to be such a successful stable in MMA:
"I’m a religious person. I have a religion that makes me strong. We are very dedicated to this sport. We work hard. And this kind of mindset makes us successful in our career. I’m going to be a champion in ONE Championship, because people believe in me, because there are a lot of people at the back that want me to do this. I want to be a champion."
Both Nurmagomedovs, Makhachev, and Izagakhmaev all grew up training and learning from Khabib's father, the late Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. Abdulmanap made it a life-long mission to instill martial arts, discipline, respect, and camaraderie amongst the youth of Makhachkala, Dagestan. He is also a very religious man and has influenced his students to do the same.
Despite tragically passing away in 2020, his legacy lives on in the fighters he's trained and mentored. Perhaps Saygid Izagakhmaev will become the latest addition to Adbulmanap's roster of world champions
Watch Izagakhmaev's post-fight interview here:
Saygid Izagakhmaev calls out Christian Lee after dominant win over Shinya Aoki
After three straight wins capped off by a knockout victory over a former ONE world champion, Saygid Izagakhmaev feels confident that he deserves a shot at the belt. In is post-fight interview with Mitch Chilson, the Dagestani warrior took the time to call out reigning ONE lightweight and welterweight world champion Christian Lee:
“[ONE CEO and Chairman] Chatri [Sityodtong] I’m ready to fight. I saw that Christian Lee won the fight today, he’s a good opponent for [me], he’s the next one. Chatri make that happen. I need this belt right now, right here.”
Hours before ONE 163, Christian Lee captured a second world title by knocking out Kiamrian Abbasov for the ONE welterweight world title in the main event of ONE on Prime Video 4. Both him and Izagakhmaev are on a hot streak this year and it certainly makes sense for them to meet inside the Circle in their next bouts.
Here's another call-out of Christian Lee by Saygid Izagakhmaev backstage:
