“It’s not important to finish him early” - Mansur Malachiev seeks methodical victory over tough Bokang Masunyane
Russia's Mansur Malachiev is seeking a victory over South African Bokang Masunyane in their battle of strawweight MMA contenders this week in Thailand. He said that it does not matter how it comes as long as he gets to showcase that he is among the best in the lane and deserving of a title shot.
The 32-year-old Dagestani fighter will battle 'Little Giant' at ONE Fight Night 25: Nicolas vs. Eersel II on Oct. 4. It is part of the event happening at the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, and airing live and for free to North American fans with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription
In an interview with ONE Championship in line with his upcoming match, Mansur Malachiev spoke about his frame of mind come fight night, saying:
"I don't like to talk too much before the fight, but I will do everything to win this fight. For me, it's not important to finish him early. The most important thing for me is to win this fight and prove that I'm the best."
Mansur Malachiev enters ONE Fight Night 25 off a bounce-back victory in his last match back in February over Japan's Yosuke Saruta.
His opponent, Masunyane, meanwhile, is currently riding a two-fight ascent. His most recent win came over Keito Yamakita of Japan in January.
Mansur Malachiev wants to be an inspiration to new generation of martial artists
Apart from establishing a solid career in mixed martial arts in ONE Championship, Mansur Malachiev also wants to serve as an inspiration to the next generation of fighters through what he does.
The noted wrestler shared this ongoing thrust of his in a recent interview with ONE Championship ahead of his scheduled return to action at ONE Fight Night 25 on Oct. 4, saying:
"In these challenging times, I want to be an example for the younger generation. I hope that young people can lead active and healthy lifestyles, look up to athletes, and take inspiration from theologians and virtuous people."
He went on to say:
"I aspire to be such an example myself, serving as a form of motivation for them."
Malachiev made his ONE debut in June last year and has steadily become an emerging force in the promotion's strawweight MMA division.