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Surging ONE lightweight contender Saygid Izagakhmaev continues to impress, this time finishing former champ Shinya Aoki at ONE Championship 163.
Not only did the Russian native finish Aoki, but he secured the stoppage faster than lightweight king Christian Lee did when he faced 'Tobikan Judan' in 2019.
Pointing to his swift dispatch of the Japanese legend, Izagakhmaev implied that he is more capable than Lee. Following the victory, Izagakhmaev told ONE Championship:
"Christian Lee fought with Aoki for two rounds. I fought him in just two minutes. I think this answers that question."
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Izagakhmaev wasn't the only one to pick up an impressive victory in November, as 'The Warrior' successfully became a two-division champion by dethroning Kiamrian Abbasov at ONE on Prime Video 4.
Check out Saygid Izagakhmaev's full ONE 163 post-fight interview below:
Saygid Izagakhmaev is taking on all comers
Entering the promotion earlier in 2022, Saygid Izagakhmaev has made it quite clear that he isn't fearful of facing any opponent. He stuck to his guns in his ONE 163 post-fight interview:
"Yeah, as I always said previously, I will smash everyone that wants to fight with me. With these two hands, I will fight with whoever wants to fight with me."
An understudy of MMA icon Khabib Nurmagomedov, the No.4-ranked lightweight contender has always had hype behind him. Izagakhmaev is even exceeding expectations—and Khabib has been quick to congratulate him.
Check out 'The Eagle's post on Izagakhmaev:
Of course, a shot at the lightweight world title is what Izagakhmaev is yearning for—and he just might get what he wants. Even the champ sees the Russian contender as next in line. Lee told SCMP MMA:
“I think that it’s most likely against one of the two new contenders. I think the match between Saygid and Shinya is going to be an important fight. I think if Saygid is able to win that match, I think he’s next in line for the world title.”
Defeating Shinya Aoki in the fashion that he did could very well earn Izagakhmaev a title shot in his next outing. With both parties clearly interested in making it happen, expect this bout to be booked at some point down the line.
Check out Christian Lee's full interview with SCMP MMA below:
