After falling short in his first attempt at the ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Title, #2-ranked contender Marat Grigorian is ready to make the most of his second shot on Friday, August 4.
The Armenian-born slugger faces reigning king Chingiz Allazov at ONE Fight Night 13 on Prime Video, and he can’t wait to put on a show for the fans in their main event tilt at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Grigorian bounced back from his five-round World Title defeat to Superbon Singha Mawynn with a strong showing against Tayfun Ozcan last October.
Now back in the winner’s circle, the Hemmers Gym man is itching to meet his old foe for a third time after their originally scheduled trilogy bout in the ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Grand Prix was cancelled at the last minute.
Grigorian said:
“Before, in the tournament, we were supposed to fight each other but it didn’t happen. Many fans were disappointed. But now we’re going to fight, and the fans are very excited about it. I can’t wait.
“I was really disappointed when that didn’t happen. My world went down at that moment, but that’s life. It doesn’t always go how you want it. So, you must be ready to accept everything and make your opportunities count.”
While the pair have met twice – with one bout going to Grigorian and the other a no contest – it was 10 years ago, and things have changed a lot since then.
Both men have risen to the top of the sport, amassing the most illustrious titles in kickboxing. That said, Grigorian can’t wait to test himself against “Chinga” again now that they’re both at their peaks.
The 32-year-old said:
“In that moment, we were the best upcoming fighters. From those years, we have both changed a lot. We’ve both fought against the top guys.
“Now, I’m seeing he’s [gotten] much better in these last two years. He’s in his primetime. He’s sharp, he’s ready. I know it will be a very hard fight, and I will be ready.
“He’s now doing very well, so I want to prove myself. Bring it on. I want to feel it!”
Marat Grigorian Has Faith In His Ability To Overcome Chingiz Allazov
Marat Grigorian has a lot of respect for Chingiz Allazov and his recent surge to the top of the combat sports world.
The feeling is mutual, with “Chinga” stating that his upcoming challenger is tough and strong. But the Gridin Gym man also believes that Grigorian isn’t as technical as he is.
The reserved Armenian wasn’t flustered over the sentiment and accepts that the featherweight king is at the top of his game. But he also sees weaknesses that he’ll look to exploit on August 4.
Grigorian said:
“I think he’s really explosive and fast. That’s what makes him very dangerous. He is a good, smart fighter. What can I say? He’s doing very well. But every fighter has his own weak places. So I will try to punish him in those moments of weakness.”
The Hemmers Gym athlete is relishing the prospect of duking it out against his Azerbaijani-Belarusian rival for five World Championship rounds. With two big-hitting, iron-chinned superstars set to collide, it could be one of the most exciting 15-minute matches of the year.
Although Grigorian would love to win the ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Title in style by becoming the first man to stop Allazov, he’s also a realist. In fact, he’s happy to take the gold by any means necessary at the famous Lumpinee Boxing Stadium.
The #2-ranked star said:
“Of course I’m going for the gold. This opportunity means a lot. I think this is the most important fight of my career so far, so I will try to do everything for the win.
“I trust myself and I know what I’m able to do. I know I have the power. I know I have the experience. But at this level, it’s very difficult to say [that you can knock your opponent out]. Everything is possible.”
