“I'm too short” - Martin Nguyen shuts down idea of competing at lightweight again

Former double-world champion Martin Nguyen shut down the idea of competing at lightweight again despite once holding the division's top prize in the past.

Back in November 2017, the 33-year-old MMA fighter from Sydney, Australia, made massive headlines as the first-ever lightweight and featherweight world champion in the promotion's history.

Defying the odds, he defeated former divisional king Eduard Folayang by knockout at ONE: Legend of the World in the Philippines.

Seemingly at the pinnacle of his career, Martin Nguyen successfully defended the belt once against Christian Lee, before vacating the title due to a long-term injury. Since his journey at lightweight was cut short, many wonder if he’s still willing to have a second run for the belt at 170 pounds.

At the ONE Fight Night 7 pre-event interviews, he said:

“Right now, I'm walking around like a lightweight, so I'm going to be heavy at the moment. But look, in terms of that division, that's not my division. I'm too short for that division.”

‘The Situ-Asian’ is gearing up for his first featherweight battle of the year against promotional newcomer Razhab Shaydullaev at ONE Fight Night 7 on Prime Video. After falling short to Ilya Freymanov in September 2022, Nguyen hopes he can find a way to turn the tide and get back into the winning column.

American fans can watch ONE Fight Night 7 live and for free with an Amazon Prime subscription this Friday, February 24 on U.S. primetime.

Re-watch Martin Nguyen vs. Eduard Folayang below:

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Martin Nguyen believes his experience will help him get the win against Razhab Shaydullaev

Martin Nguyen knows he’s got a tough war ahead of him. The ONE newcomer from Kyrgyzstan, Razhab Shaydullaev, has a perfect record of nine wins, consisting of various stoppages. He’s been dominating opponents left, right, and center, with a wrestling-oriented mindset.

Despite accepting the fight on a week’s notice, Shayduallev has been preparing for this day ever since he turned pro in 2019. Nguyen, however, is prepared to go the distance and make Shayduallev’s debut as uncomfortable as possible.

Relying on his vast martial arts experience, he believes his opponent is in for a rude awakening when they collide on Feb. 24.

The Kill Cliff FC representative told ONE:

“I mean he hasn’t lost, so it’s kind of hard to pinpoint how we’re going to beat him. But I’m a veteran of this game, and I’ve been around the best, and I’ll find a way. I’ll definitely find a way, and I’ll definitely push some buttons on that night.”