The ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix is shaping up to be one of the most talent-packed tournaments in Muay Thai history, with reigning champion Asadula Imangazaliev set to face a field loaded with former world champions, unbeaten contenders, and rising stars.
ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong unveiled the eight-man lineup for the ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix on Facebook on Sept. 22. The tournament is scheduled to begin in November, with details on the bracket, matchups, and grand prize expected to be announced soon.
Leading the field is reigning ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Asadula Imangazaliev. The undefeated 23-year-old Russian has quickly established himself as one of the sport’s most dangerous finishers, recording seven knockout victories in eight ONE Championship appearances.
His dominant run earned him a shot at the vacant flyweight title against Aslamjon “El Pantera” Ortikov in the main event of The Inner Circle 20. Imangazaliev edged out the previously unbeaten Uzbek star to capture the world title and extend his perfect record.
That victory may have only been the beginning of their rivalry. Ortikov has also secured a place in the ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix, opening the door for a highly anticipated rematch. Before losing to Imangazaliev, Ortikov had compiled a flawless 24-0 record and won 10 consecutive fights under the ONE banner.
Former ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon also enters the tournament as one of the favorites. The Thai superstar continues his pursuit of another world title and what would be the 275th victory of his remarkable career.
Chatri expressed his excitement about the tournament while announcing the lineup.
“I am thrilled to announce the greatest world grand prix in history for Muay Thai! Get ready for fireworks in November!”
The ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix will also feature former ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Nong-O Hama, who brings an astonishing 268 career victories into the competition.
Japanese standout Shimon Yoshinari joins the field after remaining unbeaten through seven appearances on the global stage. Most recently, he scored a second-round stoppage win over Suablack Tor Pran49 at ONE SAMURAI 3 earlier this month.
Also competing is Thailand’s Black Panther, who enters the tournament riding a six-fight winning streak and looking to prove he belongs among the division’s elite.
The final two spots belong to a pair of highly touted young prospects. Nineteen-year-old Lebanese sensation Ramadan “The Scorpion” Ondash earned his place after edging Johan Ghazali in July, while 20-year-old English prospect Ubaid “Bad” Hussain arrives with an unblemished 17-0 record.
Hussain’s latest victory marked his eighth straight win on the global stage and secured him a lucrative US$100,000 main roster contract.
With world champions, undefeated contenders, and some of Muay Thai’s brightest young talents all competing under one bracket, the ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix promises to deliver high-stakes matchups from start to finish.
