Dayakaev Pursues ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai Title Shot

Abdulla Dayakaev wants a ONE Championship world title shot after stopping Superlek for the second time in their rivalry.

The 24-year-old Russian improved to 17-3 with a second-round technical knockout at The Inner Circle 25, per BJPenn.com. Superlek's leg buckled 39 seconds into round two at Lumpinee Stadium, ending a fight Dayakaev thought would go the distance. The finish settled a rivalry that began with a split decision months earlier.

Path To Rambolek Title Fight Blocked By Suakim

Dayakaev now targets the winner of the September 11 bantamweight Muay Thai title bout between champion Rambolek Chor Ajalaboon and challenger Yod-IQ Or Pimolsri at The Inner Circle 30. Both men beat Dayakaev previously, though only Rambolek managed a stoppage. "I want a World Title shot. Since my last loss, I've won two fights in a row, and I've beaten a legendary fighter twice," he said. "The first time was a split decision, no problem. But this time, they can't deny me."

His timeline faces a complication. Suakim PongSuphan PK earned the next title opportunity ahead of him by beating Nabil Anane on the same Inner Circle 25 card. Dayakaev believes he has solved the riddle that led to his earlier defeat against Rambolek. He called the champion a smart fighter but said he can win a rematch this time.

Dayakaev acknowledged Superlek's injury and wished the Thai kickboxing champion a quick recovery. Their Muay Thai rivalry appears closed even as Superlek holds the ONE flyweight kickboxing belt at 135 pounds.

Reported via:

• BJPenn — Abdulla Dayakaev’s next fight could finally be for ONE World Title