‘I Can Do Much Better’ – Alibeg Rasulov Happy With ONE Fight Night 23 Win But Promises More
Alibeg Rasulov made a massive statement in his promotional debut at ONE Fight Night 23.
In the main event, the Turkish juggernaut defeated former ONE Lightweight MMA World Champion Ok Rae Yoon via unanimous decision in U.S. primetime this past Friday, July 5, and he was happy to take such a big scalp in his first ONE Championship appearance.
Rasulov used his strong clinch work and close-range weapons to punish the South Korean en route to victory, extending his perfect slate to 14-0 at the world-famous Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Following the victory, the 31-year-old was elated. However, the Turkish athlete believes he could have delivered a better performance.
He said:
“First of all, I want to say thank you to ONE Championship. It’s my first time in ONE, and it was such a [good] fight for a first time. I went five rounds.
“It was a pretty difficult fight. I’m really happy to have won. My opponent was strong, but still, I won. But I will say that I can do much better.”
Although Rasulov was thrilled to earn the nod, there was surely a bittersweet part of getting his hand raised.
The pair were due to fight for the ONE Interim Lightweight MMA World Title, but despite eventually making weight and passing his hydration test, the Turkish athlete didn’t do it in the official time window and thus wasn’t eligible to have the belt wrapped around his waist.
Rather than lamenting the lost opportunity, the Hyperion Fighters representative is using this experience as a crucial lesson for the future.
He said:
“I will stay in this weight division. It’s my first time competing in ONE Championship. It’s a bit new for me, with hydration testing too. That’s why I’m saying I could do much better. But at the same time, it’s a good experience. I will do much better in the future.”
Rasulov Eager To Win Lightweight Gold
After beating one of the division’s leading stars, Alibeg Rasulov believes he is now ready to challenge for the gold.
Despite not having the ONE Interim Lightweight MMA World Title over his shoulder, the Dagestan-born Turkish athlete proved with his performance against Ok Rae Yoon that he belongs on the global stage.
Although he’d welcome a clash with reigning two-division king Christian “The Warrior” Lee, Rasulov isn’t necessarily motivated by the man, but rather the prize, and he’s willing to fight anyone for it.
He said:
“It’s not about Christian Lee. It’s all about the belt. I’m going to face anyone who holds the belt, and I’m going to get the belt.”
Rasulov’s breakout performance at ONE Fight Night 23 has him fired up, and he wants to keep the momentum rolling as he charges toward the lightweight throne.
Though he engaged in a grueling five-round war just days ago, the Hyperion Fighters representative feels healthy and promises he’ll be good to go whenever he’s called upon for his next assignment.
Rasulov elaborated:
“I’m not injured, I feel pretty good. I didn’t take a lot of damage, so I’m going to be ready for the fight if there’s a fight.”
