Jamal Yusupov says the pressure is on Tawanchai to perform in front of hometown crowd in Bangkok

While he is fighting in enemy territory for his upcoming fight, Turkish veteran Jamal Yusupov believes it could work to his advantage.

‘Yeniceri’ will challenge reigning world champion and hometown bet Tawanchai PK.Saenchai for the ONE featherweight Muay Thai world title at ONE Fight Night 7 on Prime Video. The event is set for this Friday, February 24, in Bangkok, Thailand.

The three-time Russian kickboxing champion said in a pre-fight interview with ONE Championship that a lot of pressure rides on the shoulders of Tawanchai as he fights in front of Thai fans, something he looks to exploit come fight night.

Jamal Yusupov said:

“It doesn't affect me much. I think it should affect him more because he's kind of fighting in his hometown. He's defending his belt. So I believe it must be more pressure on him.”

Jamal Yusupov, the No. 2 featherweight Muay Thai contender, has been on an impressive run since making his promotional debut at ONE: Age of Dragons in November 2019. He currently holds an unblemished 3-0 record in ONE Championship.

‘Yeniceri’ is out to make it a short reign for Tawanchai, who is making his first title defense.

ONE Fight Night 7 will be broadcast live from the famed Lumpinee Boxing Stadium and will be aired for free to all Prime Video subscribers in North America.

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Jamal Yusupov believes he’s earned the right to face Tawanchai for the ONE featherweight Muay Thai world title

Veteran Turkish fighter Jamal Yusupov battles for the ONE featherweight Muay Thai world title later this week, something he believes he has earned and that is long overdue.

The three-time Russian kickboxing champion mixes it up with reigning featherweight Muay Thai king Tawanchai PK.Saenchai in the co-main event of ONE Fight Night 7 on Prime Video.

For 39-year-old Yusupov, the title shot is the result of all the hard work he has put in since making his promotional debut back in November 2019.

He told ONE Championship:

“I have been moving toward this goal for a long time. I have been anticipating this title fight and now, I am here."

He added:

“I was not worried [that I had missed the opportunity]. I knew I was the number one contender, as I did not see anyone else in the division who could fight for the belt other than me. However, this fight is certainly a big step for me, and it is a big responsibility.”

Prior to joining ONE Championship, Jamal Yusupov dominated the European striking circuit. He is now looking to add the ONE featherweight Muay Thai world title to his already impressive list of achievements.