"I have to watch out" - Mansur Malachiev expects Bokang Masunyane to pack 'a lot of surprises' in ONE Fight Night 25 duel

Russian standout and fifth-ranked strawweight MMA contender Mansur Malachiev believes Bokang Masunyane will have a couple of tricks up his sleeve when they go toe-to-toe at ONE Fight Night 25 on Oct. 4.

That evening, inside Bangkok's legendary Lumpinee Stadium, the Industrial Fighters martial artist returns for his fourth promotional outing against the No.2-ranked talent in a three-round strawweight MMA duel.

Having already faced a pair of ranked contenders (Yosuke Saruta and Jeremy Miado) and current ONE strawweight MMA world champion Joshua Pacio in the past, many believe the 32-year-old grappling specialist wouldn't be in for many surprises against the South African star.

However, Mansur Malachiev doesn't think that will be the case. Speaking to ONE Championship ahead of fight night, the Dagestani firecracker noted:

"I have to watch out for a serious punch, and, in general, you can expect a lot of surprises in MMA - it's that kind of sport."

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Mansur Malachiev eyes Jarred Brooks' gold once he's done with ONE Fight Night 25

Should Joshua Pacio's return hit any further delays, Mansur Malachiev says his radar will be locked on Jarred Brooks' interim crown as long as he gets past his next test at ONE Fight Night 25.

Dissecting a potential matchup against 'The Monkey God,' the 32-year-old told the promotion:

"I'm sure that I've got some advantages, and when we fight, I'll be better. I can beat Brooks. I'm sure it will be a very entertaining fight for the fans."

Malachiev vs. Masunyane will be one of 11 exciting matchups set to descend inside the Mecca of Muay Thai for ONE Fight Night 25. Regian Eersel and Alexis Nicolas throw down in the main event for the ONE lightweight kickboxing crown.

Active Amazon Prime Video subscribers in North America can catch the American primetime card for free.