Shamil Gasanov concedes Halil Amir gave him a run for his money: "I almost wasn't able to go through the game plan"

Shamil Gasanov returned at ONE Fight Night 26, where the Russian contender had the chance to earn his biggest win to date.

The 29-year-old came into this one in fine form after already earning back-to-back wins in 2024. Victories over Oh Ho Taek and Aaron Canarte gave 'The Cobra' the confidence and the momentum that he needed heading into this past weekend at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

In a pivotal clash for the featherweight division, Gasanov locked horns with Halil Amir and came out on top via decision. The wrestling skills of the Russian were crucial to him securing the victory in an exhausting and testing fight.

Even with the grappling control that he was able to achieve, Amir was still able to test him at points in the contest.

In a post-fight interview with the Bangkok Post, Shamil Gasanov reflected on the victory and how he had to dig deep to get his hand raised:

"I really feel like I gave him my all. I gave it 100 percent. I almost wasn't able to go through the game plan that we had crafted with my coach, but in the end of it, it worked out and we won the match."

Watch the full interview below:

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Shamil Gasanov is set for bigger and better things next time out

A three-fight win streak was always going to propel Shamil Gasanov right to the very top of the featherweight division.

Beating a skilled opponent like Halil Amir is no easy task either, and it's no coincidence that the last man to beat Amir will now be challenging for the world championship at ONE Fight Night 27.

A world title eliminator is just around the corner for Gasanov, who has found himself in this position once before but he won't let it slip through his fingers this time around.