“I didn't take a lot of damage” - Alibeg Rasulov says he’s ready to go again after decision victory over Ok Rae Yoon
Turkish fighter Alibeg Rasulov was impressive in his ONE Championship debut last week and expressed willingness to plunge back into action even on a short turnaround.
The 32-year-old, who hails from Dagestan, got the better of former lightweight MMA king Ok Rae Yoon by unanimous decision in their battle for the interim gold in the headlining fight at ONE Fight Night 23 on Prime Video on July 5 in Thailand.
Alibeg Rasulov, however, was not eligible to win the interim bantamweight world title belt after failing to meet the prescribed weight and hydration levels on time during the weigh-ins.
Still, it did not stop him from going all out and getting the win and then expressing his desire to get back into action at the soonest time possible, telling the post-fight interview:
"It's all going to depend on ONE Championship. I'm not injured, I feel pretty good. I didn't take a lot of damage, so I'm going to be ready. I'm ready for the fight if there's a fight. My weight is always good, so I'm going to be ready all the time."
The victory at ONE Fight Night 23 was the 14th straight for Alibeg Rasulov, who is now looking to vie for a the world title against currently on-a-break divisional king Christian Lee at some point in the future.
Alibeg Rasulov shows resolve and grit against Ok Rae Yoon
Alibeg Rasulov proved he belongs with the top fighters in ONE Championship with an impressive victory over former world champion Ok Rae Yoon at ONE Fight Night 23 on Prime Video on July 5 in Thailand. And he did it with a lot of grit and determination.
Left ineligible to win the interim lightweight MMA world title at stake for failing to meet weight and hydration levels on time during the weigh-ins, the Turkish fighter was still in his element throughout the five-round battle.
Rasulov frustrated Ok with his solid work in the clinch, throwing crisp punches and elbows to exact damage on the South Korean veteran.
Ok had his moments late in the contest but they were not enough to swing the tide in his favor, with Rasulov eventually getting the nod from all of the judges for the victory.