Martin Nguyen has a message for opponents who call him old: “I’mma step it up and put you in your place”

Martin Nguyen did not take kindly to fighters suggesting his career was over after a few punishing years inside the Circle.

‘The Situ-Asian’ got a much-needed win last weekend, scoring a unanimous decision victory over late-notice replacement Leonardo Casotti at ONE Fight Night 7 last weekend.

Catching up with the South China Morning Post following his success at the legendary Lumpinee Boxing Stadium, Nguyen put every fighter on notice that counted him out and called him old ahead of his return to the win column:

“Yeah, look to be honest man you can call me old, you can say that I’m done but if you got that in your mind I say not only are you naïve I’mma step it up and put you in your place. So, at the end of the day that was pure experience, and I just had to do what I had to do to get the win.”

Going into the fight knowing virtually nothing about the man standing across from him, Martin Nguyen leaned on his experience as a former two-division ONE world champion to earn the W against a tough Brazilian standout.

Now that he’s over the hump, Nguyen, who will turn 34 years old this week, looks set to go on another world title hunt in the featherweight division.

Watch the full interview below:

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Martin Nguyen is ready to take a break to be with his family and settle himself

Martin Nguyen certainly hopes that the worst is finally behind him, following a successful showing at ONE Fight Night 7. Before he attempts to build on the success of his first 2023 appearance, ‘The Situ-Asian’ would like to take a bit of a mental break and spend some much-needed time with his family:

"Call my shot, I just wanna have a break man. A mental break with my family then when I come back, anyone can get it."

Undeniably on the back end of his career, there is certainly no need for Nguyen to rush back into the fire. Fortunately, when he does return, he will still have a number next to his name, thanks to the victory over Leonardo Casotti. That will keep Nguyen in the ONE featherweight world title picture for the time being, but the competition will only get more difficult if he hopes to strap ONE gold around his waist before hanging up the gloves altogether.

Who would you like to see Martin Nguyen face when he makes his return to the circle?