Asadula Imangazaliev Credits Corner Advice For Second-Round Knockout Win, Eyes ONE World Title Opportunity

Undefeated Russian star Asadula Imangazaliev detailed his explosive knockout victory over Kongthoranee Sor Sommai at ONE Fight Night 39 this past weekend, sealing the deal with devastating body shots in the second round after identifying his opponent's vulnerability.

The Dagestani striker first secured a knockdown by landing a brutal front kick on Kongthoranee's midsection. Moments later, a punishing body punch crumpled the Thai veteran, delivering another spectacular finish to Imangazaliev's perfect record.

The Russian sensation moved his record to 11-0 while earning a US$50,000 performance bonus for his extraordinary performance. In his previous contest, Imangazaliev knocked out Thai legend Panpayak Jitmuangnon with a head kick, establishing a pattern of finishing elite Thai opposition.

Imangazaliev credited his cornerman and mentor Mehdi Zatout for identifying Kongthoranee's defensive weakness. After following instructions to attack the body repeatedly, Imangazaliev noticed his opponent's facial expression change, revealing the effectiveness of the strategy.

"My cornerman, my brother Mehdi [Zatout], told me to give him body shots. And after two or three times when I gave him those body shots, I saw his face change. From there, I understood what I needed to do," Imangazaliev said.

The Russian acknowledged the challenge of facing a veteran who had never been finished in his promotional career. Imangazaliev entered with specific goals and executed his preparation perfectly to become the first fighter to stop the durable Thai striker.

"I understood that he's a very tough opponent because nobody has finished him, and I had a goal. I wanted to finish him, and I did my work. I prepared for this moment. I came here to take bonuses [and] take finishes," Imangazaliev said.

With consecutive knockout victories over two Thai legends in Panpayak Jitmuangnon and Kongthoranee, the undefeated Russian wasted no time calling out the former ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Nong-O Hama. Imangazaliev believes the division needs fresh blood - and he's ready to provide it.

"Now I won [against] two legends, and I'll come for him soon, Inshallah. I respect him, but the flyweight division needs a new champion. I don't care if it's Nong-O or not, just send me a name, and I'll come and show my level," Imangazaliev said.