“It was a surprise for me” - Tagir Khalilov looks back on ONE debut, aims to secure rematch against Rodtang Jitmuangnon
Russian powerhouse Tagir Khalilov has been a steady fixture in ONE Championship since 2021. It all started with a marquee showdown against Thai superstar Rodtang Jitmuangnon.
'Samingpri' battled 'The Iron Man' in his promotional debut at ONE: Fists of Fury on Feb. 26, 2021 in a flyweight kickboxing clash. He took the match in just a week's notice but still churned out a stellar performance, taking Rodtang to the limit before narrowly losing by split decision in Singapore.
ONE Championship recently posted a conversation with Tagir Khalilov on Instagram, where the 31-year-old Yekaterinburg native looked back on what went down in his debut against Rodtang. He also expressed a desire to have a rematch with his tormentor, but under Muay Thai rules.
In the post, he said:
"It was a crazy fight. My debut, first fight in ONE Championship and I get this guy [Rodtang]. It was a surprise for me. When he did this [punch to the face], and said, 'Ah, come on, come on. Hit me.' But, I still didn't disappoint. I tried to do my best. You know, it was also one week's short notice. I wasn't ready, like 100 percent. That's why I want a rematch with him in Muay Thai, small gloves."
Check out the post below:
The IG post of ONE was in line with Tagir Khalilov's scheduled return to action at ONE 169: Malykhin vs. 'Reug Reug' on Nov. 8 at the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
He will be going up against Thai Kongthoranee Sor Sommai in a flyweight Muay Thai clash between two fighters out to get a bounce-back win after losing in their previous matches.
Rodtang joins Tagir Khalilov at ONE 169
Rodtang Jitmuangnon will share the same stage as Tagir Khalilov at ONE 169 as he is part of one of the co-main events that will see him defend the ONE flyweight Muay Thai world title.
The Jitmuangnon Gym standout will stake his world title against British challenger Jacob Smith. It will be his sixth defense of the world title he won in 2019 and first since he last successfully defended it in May 2023 in the United States.
ONE 169 is an 11-match marquee offering which will be aired live and for free in U.S. primetime to North American fans with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription.