29-year-old unbeaten Russian star Kiamran Nabati has grand designs on a world title shot and more should he get past his next opponent, legendary Thai fighter Nong-O Hama this weekend.
Nabati is looking to challenge the big dogs at bantamweight, but he needs to get through his next test before he even thinks about making any callouts.
Speaking to the South China Morning Post in a recent interview, Nabati talked about who he wants to face after the fight with Nong-O.
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The Archangel Michel representative said:
"Maybe, brother. I hope. But now, I’m only focused on this fight. After I win the fight, that’s when I can say give me Jonathan Haggerty, or Nico Carrillo, or Nabil [Anane]. We will see."
Those are indeed some very big names.
Haggerty is the former ONE bantamweight and flyweight Muay Thai world champion and is the current ONE bantamweight kickboxing king. Meanwhile, Carrillo is ranked no.2, while Anane is no.4.
These matchups are absolute nightmares for lesser fighters. However, Nabati wants to prove his worth in the world's largest martial arts organization and will stop at nothing to claim what he feels he is destined to take.
Kiamran Nabati battles legendary Nong-O Hama at ONE Friday Fights 81
Russian phenom Kiamran Nabati will stake his unblemished professional record against longtime former ONE bantamweight Muay Thai king Nong-O Hama in a three-rounder this weekend.
Nabati and Nong-O lock horns at ONE Friday Fights 81: Superbon vs. Nattawut, which broadcasts live from the historic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand on Friday, Sept. 27.
Fans in the United States and Canada can catch all the action live via global pay-per-view on watch.onefc.com. Visit ONE Championship's official website for more information on how you can watch from your location.
Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for all the latest news and updates surrounding the event on fight week.