ONE Fight Night 7: Jamal Yusupov Says Old Injury Cost Him Tawanchai Loss, Wants Rematch

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Bangkok, March 2: When Jamal Yusupov entered Lumpinee Stadium last week, the last thing he expected was to see his championship bid end in just 49 seconds.

The one they call "Yeniceri" entered the frame looking to shock the Bangkok faithfuls on Saturday (February 25) at ONE Fight Night 7 by stopping ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion Tawanchai PK Saenchai.

However, less than one minute into the opening stanza, the Turkish tussler fell victim to the Thai standout's precise chopping leg kicks. After a fatal low kick caused a halt to the proceedings, Yusupov wants to set the record straight about the reason for that outcome.

While Yusupov states Tawanchai attacked a pre-existing injury in the 39-year-old's thigh, he hasn't taken the loss to heart.

"I'm fine, I feel ok. I understand that these things happen. I'm not too upset. It's not like I lost as a result of a ferocious fight - Tawanchai got me right where it hurts, precisely the spot where I had an old injury," he said.

"The opponent kicked me right on it. So, this is how it was supposed to be, just another test for me."

Following the result from ONE Fight Night 7's co-main event, Yusupov would love nothing more than an opportunity to run it back with Tawanchai once his injuries have healed.

Given that he was 3-0 inside ONE leading into the contest, the Turkish scrapper feels he is still high on the list of featherweight standouts. However, due to the nature of the result, he is willing to work his way back if he has to.

"I would like to get a rematch after I heal my leg, but it is likely the promotion won't give it to me with this particular opponent," Yusupov said.

"I like ONE, I like fighting in ONE. It's a very good organization. I'm ready to fight any opponent to get a shot at a title fight again. To fight for the championship belt is still my ultimate goal, so nothing has changed there."

Source: Media Release