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Rapidly rising Russian contender Saygid Izagakhmaev is readying for the biggest fight of his career to date at ONE Championship 163. He's assertive in his belief that it's only a matter of time before he secures the lightweight world title.
The No.4-ranked lightweight is set to take on the man ranked right behind him, Shinya Aoki, at ONE 163. Notably, the Japanese MMA icon possesses 14 more ONE appearances than Izagakhmaev.
However, Izagakhmaev firmly believes he'll pass his next test and earn a title shot in 2023. He recently told ONE Championship:
“I’m destined to be the lightweight champion, it’s only a matter of time. I think I will become the ONE World Champion in half a year. I’m the new force in the lightweight division, and nobody will stop me.”
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Saygid Izagakhmaev wants title fight after win at ONE 163
The 28-year-old is gearing up to face a former lightweight champion in Shinya Aoki, and if he were to reign supreme, Izagakhmaev says a title shot is in order. He told ONE:
“If I win the upcoming fight – and I’ll win it, Inshallah – I will challenge the champion of our division. Christian Lee has beaten everybody [else], but he knows who he hasn’t beaten.”
The Academy MMA affiliate is yearning for an opportunity to challenge the lightweight king for his throne. Lee recently regained his title but is now moving up to welterweight, seeking double-champ status against Kiamrian Abbasov.
Saygid Izagakhmaev has proven to be a worthy contender in just two appearances inside ONE's circle. His wins over James Nakashima and Lipeng Zhang have impressed viewers around the globe. Before that, the Russian steamrolled opponents across promotions like AMC Fight Nights Global, Gorilla Fighting, and Open Dagestan Fighting Championship.
The lightweight contender is just entering his prime, which is scary for those standing in his path. Expect an electric back-and-forth affair when he takes on Aoki at ONE 163.
Make sure to watch Russia's Saygid Izagakhmaev share the circle with Japan's Shinya Aoki in a crucial lightweight bout at ONE 163 on November 19, live from the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
