"I'm here to fight the best" - Denis Puric unfazed by the dangers posed by Elias Mahmoudi, aims for world title shot

Longtime Muay Thai veteran Denis Puric remains undaunted by Elias Mahmoudi's abilities entering their flyweight Muay Thai encounter at ONE Fight Night 26 on Friday, Dec. 6, inside the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

Puric shared his views on Mahmoudi in an interview with the Bangkok Post:

"Look man, I'm here to fight the best in the world to prove that I am one of those top guys. And with this fight, I think that I've reached that pinnacle. He's a tough guy, and I think he's one of the toughest guys in the division - very, very difficult to deal with because he's super tall, very aggressive, super long, and I know why nobody wants to fight him."

'The Bosnian Menace' continued:

"But I'm a fighter, man. I'll fight anybody. So very good challenge for me and this one will, I think, dictate who fights for the title next."

Watch the entire interview:

The flyweight Muay Thai world championship is currently vacant after then-reigning king Rodtang Jitmuangnon was stripped of it for weighing over the 135-pound limit ahead of his scheduled defense against Jacob Smith at ONE 169 in November.

Puric has been pursuing the flyweight Muay Thai crown since his May 2022 arrival in ONE. A marquee victory over Mahmoudi at ONE Fight Night 26 could secure his chance to fight for it.

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Elias Mahmoudi not impressed with Denis Puric

Many ONE fans view Denis Puric as one of the hardest-hitting strikers in the Muay Thai ranks, but Elias Mahmoudi does not understand what makes him so special.

In an interview with ONE, 'The Sniper' explained:

"I don't think there is anything special about him. I respect him as a fighter and for his career, but nothing more."

ONE Fight Night 26 will air live and free to all Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada.