Dayakaev Eyes Title Shot After Superlek Rematch

Abdulla Dayakaev gets his chance to settle the score with Superlek and position himself for a title shot when the two meet in a bantamweight Muay Thai rematch at The Inner Circle 25 this Friday.

The card streams live from Bangkok's Lumpinee Stadium on August 7 in Asia primetime, exclusively on live.onefc.com. Dayakaev took a split decision over Superlek in their first meeting, a result that left a sizable portion of fans convinced the wrong hand was raised. A decisive win this time puts the 24-year-old back in the title picture after his teammate Nabil Anane recently lost the bantamweight Muay Thai belt to Rambolek Chor Ajalaboon, the same fighter who knocked out Dayakaev in January.

Dayakaev Targets Rambolek After Superlek

Dayakaev told BJPenn.com he has no interest in relitigating the first fight. "I don't think about that fight. I know I won it. You cannot win if you do everything for one round. I won two rounds. This time I will do better," he said, per the report. He added that he was caught off guard by Superlek's clinch work in the third round but believes he is now prepared for every scenario.

Six of Dayakaev's nine ONE Championship victories have come by knockout. A finish here would strengthen his case for a title eliminator or direct shot at the belt. He has made clear that Rambolek remains the ultimate target, calling the January knockout a missed step before a possible title fight.

"When I win against Superlek, I want to fight Rambolek," Dayakaev said. "[That] guy stopped me one step before [a possible] title shot. So for me it's good motivation." He also cited watching his younger brother Asadula Imangazaliev capture a belt as added fuel. "I also want a belt. I will do everything for it."

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• BJPenn — Dayakaev-Superlek rematch carries potential title shot as its real prize at The Inner Circle 25