Shamil Gasanov Talks “Dream Fight” With Garry Tonon Ahead of ONE Fight Night 12

Add as a preferred source on Google

When Shamil Gasanov enters the ring in Bangkok, Thailand's Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in a matter of days at ONE Fight Night 12, he'll embark on the biggest bout of his professional mixed martial arts career.

"The Cobra" meets #2-ranked Garry Tonon in featherweight MMA action this Saturday, 15 July, where he will have the chance to climb the rankings and further insert himself into the ONE Championship Featherweight World Title picture.

The unbeaten Russian arrived last October at ONE on Prime Video 3: Lineker vs. Andrade, dispatching former #2-ranked featherweight Kim Jae Woong by rear-naked choke in the first round to announce himself on the global stage.

The clinical victory saw Gasanov move to 13-0 with style points, and in the Rostov-on-Don representative's mind, it stands as one of the most significant wins of his rapidly growing career.

"That victory was extremely important because I wanted to test myself in one of the best leagues in the world and see where I stand," Gasanov said.

"It was even more significant to see how I performed against the [then] #2-ranked fighter in our division."

Gasanov immediately entered the featherweight rankings with his victory over "The Fighting God." Now he sits as the #5-ranked contender but hopes to climb even higher by besting Tonon this Saturday.

That's a lot easier said than done, however. Tonon has built a reputation in the division because of his numerous finishes. Now, he is hungry to continue his winning ways following a dominant first-round submission of Johnny Nunez this past January.

Prior to that success, "The Lion Killer" suffered defeat in a submission grappling match with Tye Ruotolo before going down by devastating knockout at the hands of then-featherweight king Thanh Le at ONE: LIGHTS OUT in March 2022.

Even with Tonon's recent run of mixed results, Gasanov isn't allowing himself to underestimate the American's abilities. And given the fact that Gasanov has eyed a clash with Tonon for many years, "The Cobra" plans to show his best form in the clash that he calls a "dream" match.

"Despite his losses, Tonon should not be underestimated. Both of us are skilled grapplers, and we pose a threat until the final second of the fight. Maintaining focus is crucial as a single mistake can cost the victory. He is particularly dangerous with his leg locks," Gasanov said.

"I have been closely following my division in ONE for a long time, even when I was competing in another league. Fighting Tonon has been a dream of mine for a while.

"I have watched his fights in ADCC, and I consider him the most dangerous opponent in my division. I never look for shortcuts in my career, so I am fully prepared to face Garry. If I defeat Garry Tonon, I am confident that a title shot will be in my near future."