Abdulla Dayakaev
looks poised to take ONE’s talent-laden bantamweight Muay Thai division by storm.
The young Russian forward, aged 23, is set for his eagerly awaited prime-time appearance in the U.S. on May 2nd.
ONE Fight Night 31: Kongthoranee vs. Nong-O II on Prime Video
When he faces off against an accomplished Thai veteran
Saemapetch Fairtex
.
The competition will be held at Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium—the same location where Dayakaev fought his way past a formidable array of adversaries during the ONE Friday Fights event series.
ensure his position on the company’s worldwide list
.
Before he introduces himself to the U.S. primetime audience at ONE Fight Night 31, we look back at four unforgettable knockouts that highlighted this young talent’s rise to the big show.
Sends a Message Against Cerkezkoy
Following his promotional debut win via majority decision, Dayakaev made a return in January 2024 at
ONE Friday Fights 49
and secured a far more decisive victory.
Taking on battle-hardened veteran
Sevket Cerkez
, the Russian displayed his shocking speed and well-rounded striking game en route to a second-round knockout.
Initially, Dayakaev knocked Cerkez down with a brutal right elbow when the Turkish boxer charged forward. Noticing that Cerkez was weakening, he increased his intensity and overwhelmed him with a series of strikes, culminating in a precise left hook that ended the match halfway through the round.
With this win, Dayakaev dispelled any concerns about his ability to steal the spotlight and contend with the elite fighters in ONE Championship.
Flatlines Ongbak
The young Russian’s subsequent takedown was followed by another knockout here.
ONE Friday Fights 71
against Thai hero
Ongbak Fairtex
— and it went down as one to remember.
In the opening moments, both fighters engaged in intense exchanges from afar, delivering heavy blows. However, towards the end of the first round, Dayakaev delivered a devastating series of punches that knocked Ongjak down onto the mat.
As the Thai resiliently got back up, Dayakaev sensed victory was within reach. He then launched a relentless barrage of blows, eventually delivering a devastating fight-concluding right hook that shocked the audience in Bangkok.
Handles Submenus Swiftly
In December 2024 at
ONE Friday Fights 92
, Dayakaev faced his most challenging test yet when he went up against the two-time Rajadamnern Stadium Muay Thai World Champion.
Sibmuen
It seems Dayakaev missed the message that he was supposed to be intimidated by his highly decorated opponent.
The Team Mehdi Zatout sensation took the center of the ring early, and after just 30 seconds of action, he landed a terrifying left hook, sending Simbuen dazed and stumbling around the ring, unable to continue.
Despite predictions that many believed would halt Dayakaev’s rise to fame, he remained largely unbothered and solidified his position as one of Muay Thai’s most rapidly ascending prospects.
Starches Malatesta
During his latest bout, the promising youngster marked his 23rd birthday with an astounding knockout victory over Italy’s opponent.
Alessio Malatesta
That secured for him a contract worth over six figures and a place on ONE’s worldwide team.
The combatants exchanged strikes at a rapid rate initially, yet soon enough, it was clear that Dayakaev possessed far greater strength compared to the other fighter.
During an intense burst of ferocity, the Russian unleashed one combo after another until he landed a devastatingly powerful body shot that left Malatesta weakened towards the end of the opening round.
This victory solidified Dagestani’s status as a top-tier forward, guaranteed him a place in ONE Championship, and laid the groundwork for an exciting career with the globe’s premier mixed martial arts association.
Source
