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Andrew Whitelaw

Abdulla Dayakaev believes destiny is calling ahead of his clash with Thailand’s Rambolek Chor Ajalaboon at ONE Fight Night 37 on Friday.
The Dagestani knockout machine has torn through the bantamweight Muay Thai ranks and now stands on the brink of title contention.
Now he sees himself with one simple mission: win in style and position himself for Jonathan Haggerty.
Dayakaev will ride some serious momentum into the bout. The 23-year-old has finished four straight opponents inside the distance, including a record 24-second knockout of Nontachai Jitmuangnon in his most recent outing.
His approach is built on pressure, aggression and heavy hands that hurt opponents before they settle into the fight.


“I need to kill my opponent and finish,” Dayakaev told the Post. “My strategy is always push, press him and catch him or put him to sleep.”
Rambolek, meanwhile, is one of Thailand’s most exciting young talents. The 22-year-old trains at Superbon Training Camp and carries a four-fight winning streak of his own, with highlight stoppages over Dmitrii Kovtun and Parham Gheirati.
Technical, calm, and dangerous with timing, the Thai stand-out brings experience and precision to the clash. Still, Dayakaev does not believe Rambolek has “never fought a fighter like me … my power is different”.
The match-up arrives at a fascinating time in the division. Bantamweight Muay Thai world champion Nabil Anane, a teammate of Dayakaev at Venum in Thailand, was originally booked to defend his belt against former champion Jonathan Haggerty at ONE 173.
However, injury has forced Haggerty to withdraw, and Anane will now compete up in weight in a featherweight kickboxing contest instead.
That shift has opened a lane for someone to stake their claim, and Dayakaev sees opportunity.
“It is good for me,” he said. “I cannot fight Nabil. Now I want Haggerty.”
Dayakaev insisted he remained fully focused on Rambolek first, but there was no mistaking his ambition. Haggerty is one of the biggest names in the sport, and the Dagestani contender wants that challenge once he handles business this week.
Dayakaev has built his career through grit and constant pressure. He credits his gym environment for sharpening those instincts. Training at Venum in Pattaya has put him in daily rounds with Anane, Elias Mahmoudi, Muhammad Siasarani, and coach Diamond. The room is filled with elite young strikers, and Dayakaev believes it is forging champions.
“We always work five rounds hard,” he said. “Muhammad is crazy sparring. He deserves a contract. Nabil works very hard too.”
Although his long-term plan includes a move to MMA, Dayakaev remains locked in on Muay Thai gold for now. He believes he has only scratched the surface of his potential.
“I am young. I am getting better and better,” he said. “I want a warrior fight. Quickly finish.”


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Abdulla Dayakaev believes destiny is calling ahead of his clash with Thailand’s Rambolek Chor Ajalaboon at ONE Fight Night 37 on Friday. Photo: ONE Championship

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Sport

Martial Arts

Muay Thai

Abdulla Dayakaev will battle Thailand’s Rambolek Chor Ajalaboon and believes a win will put him in title contention


Abdulla Dayakaev will battle Thailand’s Rambolek Chor Ajalaboon and believes a win will put him in title contention.


Jonathan Haggerty

Nabil Anane

Dayakaev ready to face destiny at ONE Fight Night 37, wants Jonathan Haggerty next

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Abdulla Dayakaev will battle Thailand’s Rambolek Chor Ajalaboon and believes a win will put him in title contention

Abdulla Dayakaev will battle Thailand’s Rambolek Chor Ajalaboon and believes a win will put him in title contention