Tagir Khalilov Reflects on First ONE Victory, Eyes Rodtang Rematch

The third time seems to have been the charm for “Samingpri” Tagir Khalilov in ONE Championship.

After two hard-fought defeats inside the Circle, Khalilov finally notched his first promotional victory at ONE 164: Pacio vs. Brooks on 3rd December. The flyweight Muay Thai fighter dispatched talented Thai Chorfah Tor.Sangtiennoi in a one-round masterclass by stunning the debuting star with a perfect counter uppercut before sealing the win with a head kick. 

When reviewing his performance, Tagir Khalilov beamed about his expertly executed game plan, and he credited a certain newly crowned two-division ONE World Champion for offering advice.

“I knew straight away that he was a typical Thai-style fighter,” he said. “I knew that he would go into a clinch and start kicking. I planned to concentrate on punches, work with my hands. 

“That uppercut was something I spent time working on at the gym. As you all could see, it worked! I had Anatoly Malykhin in my corner. At some point, I heard him shouting that my right uppercuts were doing a good job, so I started working them in different combinations, and it worked beautifully.” 

The victory means that much more to the 29-year-old striking star, given he has had to endure some difficult defeats to get there. 

Khalilov entered ONE in esteemed fashion, fighting flyweight standout Rodtang Jitmuangnon in his promotional debut. Many felt the battle was razor close and showcased the talents of “Samingpri,” even though he lost.

The Russian then faced Denis “The Bosnian Menace” Puric, a decorated two-time taekwondo World Champion in his own right. Khalilov once again came up short in another closely fought battle, but he didn’t let the outcome affect his progress. 

With steady work and patience, he knew a win would come. And now that he has earned it, Khalilov plans to avenge his early outings.

“I need closure after losing to Puric,” the Russian asserted. “I do not think it was a definite loss. The ref decided there was a knockdown, which I do not agree with. However, in order to put it all behind me, I need to punish Denis Puric.

“Then, after I am done with him, I would like it if the organization gives me the opportunity to fight Rodtang. I want to be number one and be the champion of ONE, and Rodtang has the belt that I want.”