Maurice Abevi says he’s not taking Samat Mamedov lightly: “I really respect him a lot as a fighter”

Swiss lightweight MMA sensation Maurice Abevi knows he is taking on perhaps the toughest test of his career thus far. Not only is Samat Mamedov unbeaten as a professional, but the Kazakhstani fighter is also a proven finisher, with two knockouts and four submission victories out of six wins.

Still, Abevi remains unfazed in the face of a worthy adversary and is confident he will come out on top of this highly anticipated lightweight MMA matchup. Speaking to ONE Championship in a recent interview, Abevi says he gives full respect to Mamedov heading into their fiery showdown.

The 24-year-old Swiss rising star stated:

"I think he’s super dangerous. He’s finished nearly all of his fights. His opponents were not really top-notch, but he finished them all in the first round, and that must mean something. I really respect him a lot as a fighter. I think he is going to give me a good challenge."

Needless to say, Abevi is ready to go against Mamedov, who represents danger at every juncture in the match. The Tiger Muay Thai representative believes it's anyone's game, but he is primed for an explosive performance.

Maurice Abevi and Samat Mamedov vie for lightweight elite status in stacked ONE 168: Denver card

A potential entry into the ONE Championship lightweight top five could be in the cards for the winner, as Maurice Abevi and Samat Mamedov throw down in a three-round lightweight MMA contest.

The two lock horns at ONE 168: Denver, which broadcasts live from the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado on Friday, Sept. 6.

Fans in the United States and Canada can catch all the action live and for free with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription. Fans who want to watch in-stadium still have the chance to score tickets via Ticketmaster.

Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for all the latest news and updates on ONE 168: Denver from Ball Arena.