Alibeg Rasoulov is now focused on the ONE Championship 170-pound title (though not necessarily against current champion Christian Lee) after a successful promotional debut on Friday.
Rasoulov made his debut against former lightweight (170 lbs) champion Ok Le Yoon in the main event of ONE on Prime Video 23 at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Thailand. The Turk controlled the bout against Yoon for the better part of 25 minutes to earn a unanimous decision victory and improve his perfect record to 15-0.
“As you know, it was a pretty difficult match,” Rasulov said in the post-match press conference. “I’m really happy to win. My opponent was strong, but I still won. But I can say for sure that I can do better.”
Rasoulof and Yun were originally scheduled to compete for ONE Championship’s interim 170-pound title, with the winner to challenge official champion Lee. However, although Rasoulof passed a rehydration test and made the 170-pound mark, he was ineligible to win the belt because he did not do so within the official deadline.
“This is my first time competing in ONE Championship,” Rasulov said, “There was a rehydration test and it was a bit of a new experience for me, so I had to cut weight twice. That’s why I say I can do better. But at the same time, it was a good experience for me, and I think I can do better in the future.”
Despite making the weight limit, Rasoulof could face Lee for a title bout if he returns. What matters to Rasoulof is fighting for the belt, not who holds it.
“It’s not about Christian Lee. It’s all about the belt,” he said. “I’m going to face whoever has the belt and I’m going to take this belt.”
After suffering little damage in his promotional debut, Lazlov is ready to get back in the action right away.
“It all depends on ONE Championship,” he said. “I’m not injured, I’m feeling pretty good. I haven’t suffered any major damage, so I’m ready to go. And I would also say that I don’t want to waste any time. If there’s a fight, I’ll be ready. I’m always at the right weight, so I’m always ready.”
