The Comeback: Artem Belakh Ready To Climb The Ladder At ONE Fight Night 18

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Bantamweight bruiser Artem Belakh arrived in ONE Championship with plenty of hype attached to his name. The Russian put a three-fight win streak together after defeating Leandro Issa in his promotional debut at ONE 162 in October 2022. But his momentum soon hit a speed bump.

Belakh suffered a second-round knockout at the hands and knees of Kwon Won Il last June at ONE Fight Night 10. And as he gears up for his return on Saturday, 13 January, against Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu at ONE Fight Night 18, the Russian intends to put the past behind him.

"We are working on a new game plan. I am improving with every training session. I am surrounded by the best people, and I am thankful for the opportunity to prove myself against a top opponent. I am sure this card will be the brightest beginning of 2024 for ONE and MMA fans," Belakh said.

"I'm happy to get back to work and will give it 100 percent. If you want to see how a man enjoys his work, don't miss this fight!"

Because Belakh and Baatarkhuu have been making their way through ONE Championship together, Belakh admits he's been keeping tabs on the Mongolian from afar. In fact, he always expected to cross paths with the Road to ONE Mongolia winner somewhere in the future.

Baatarkhuu's wild approach to combat has seen him go unblemished in ONE, winning all three of his outings, including a second-round submission win over Team Lakay's hottest star Jhanlo Mark Sangiao at ONE Fight Night 13 in August.

The Mongolian has proved to be a threat to anyone in his way, but that's the kind of comeback fight that Belakh has been relishing. No tune-ups, no easy roads. The 27-year-old has been enjoying the road to redemption, and exposing Baatarkhuu's edifice is enough of a challenge for him.

"I had seen [Enkh-Orgil's] fights even before we signed the contract and thought he could be a potential opponent. Generally, I watch every fighter in my weight class," Belakh said.

"My main advantage is my versatility as a fighter, my meticulous approach to training, and also the great joy of being able to come back."