Martin Nguyen doesn’t feel any pressure heading into Shamil Gasanov fight

Former ONE featherweight world champion Martin Nguyen is at a crossroads in his storied career. Despite that, he's not feeling any pressure ahead of his fight at ONE Fight Night 7 on Prime Video.

'The Situ-Asian' faces unbeaten Russian stalwart Shamil Gasanov in his upcoming bout. Nguyen is just 1-3 in his last four outings, getting finished in each defeat.

Despite that fact, Martin Nguyen is entering his 18th ONE Championship match under no added pressure. He told the South China Morning Post:

"There’s no pressure on my side. Obviously, the momentum is swinging on his [Shamil Gasanov] side. He’s coming off a win, I’m coming off a loss. I don’t really care, man. As long as I go in there and I mentally and physically prepare well, I’ve got no issues at all."

The Australian native added:

"Not to say that the last of my few camps were cr*p or whatever, but I take the losses as a man. I’m mentally prepared and I’m physically prepared well for this fight."

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Martin Nguyen details the possible limitations of fighting in a ring compared to a cage

ONE Fight Night 7 will take place in a ring rather than a traditional cage, which Nguyen believes favors wrestlers.

In the same interview, he described:

“I think the ring favors the wrestler. But in terms of that, I think it gives the guy defending the wrestling more of a chance to sprawl or sprawl harder as well. I already experienced what it felt like to fight in a ring against [Koyomi] Matsushima. It is scary when they lift you up. I didn’t know what to do but I already experienced what it feels like in there. Environment-wise, I feel like I have an advantage.”

Not only has Nguyen experienced fighting in a ring before, but he also holds a huge experience edge over his upcoming foe. 'The Situ-Asian' has competed against the likes of Christian Lee, Eduard Folayang, and Bibiano Fernandes.

Be sure to tune in to ONE Fight Night 7 on February 24 to watch Martin Nguyen square off with Shamil Gasanov in a critical featherweight bout, live from the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

Fans in North America can watch the event live and for free in U.S. primetime on Amazon Prime Video.

Check out Martin Nguyen's full conversation with SCMP MMA below: