Alaverdi Ramazanov Cannot Wait To Perform For The Thai Crowd Again

There is just one Muay Thai match-up at ONE: DREAMS OF GOLD that does not feature a homegrown Thai athlete, but it promises to be nothing less than a showstopper.

Alaverdi “Babyface Killer” Ramazanov has not given fans a single dull second in ONE Championship, and that looks set to continue when he faces Ognjen Topic in a bantamweight match in Bangkok this Friday, 16 August.

The Russian tornado burst onto the global stage in the Thai capital last October with an upset win against Petchmorakot Petchyindee Academy, and then went on to score the fastest ONE Super Series knockout yet against Andrew “Maddog” Miller just a few weeks later.

His following two bouts saw him go to the wire in fast and furious battles against Thai opponents with more than double his experience, and now the 24-year-old is ready to deliver again against a Serbian-American rival.

Ahead of this clash of World Champion competitors, Ramazanov explains why he is feeling fresh ahead of his return to the Circle, what it means to compete in the birthplace of “the art of eight limbs,” and how he intends to beat Topic at the Impact Arena.

ONE Championship: Are you happy to have the chance to perform in Thailand again?

Alaverdi Ramazanov: I am very happy to travel to Bangkok for my next bout. I’ve performed in Thailand many times, and I can tell you that this country has the best audience when it comes to Thai boxing – people are knowledgable, they know all national champions.

Oh, and they are very excited when watching Muay Thai – I’ve never seen anyone else supporting and cheering like Thai people do anywhere in the world. They are amazing.

ONE: You will be up against a serious opponent – Ognjen Topic, who is a Lion Fight Featherweight World Champion. Did you know he has also trained in Thailand?

AR: Yes, of course. I know all the Muay Thai gyms in Thailand, and his gym, PK.Saenchaimuaythaigym, is probably the best gym in Thailand right now.

There are many outstanding fighters there, including a great number of World Champions, but that doesn’t intimidate me. It means my opponent will be well prepared, so my victory over him will taste even sweeter.

ONE: Do you think it is essential to train in Thailand – especially if you want to beat Thais at their own game?

AR: It can help, but I don’t think it is an absolute must. It is important to find a very good gym and, more importantly, a good coach – someone who will help you grow as an athlete and as a professional martial artist.

ONE: Your breakout win in ONE came against Petchmorakot at the same venue last year – what did that win mean to you?

AR: It was always going to be just another fight for Petchmorakot, but for me facing him was a big deal – I had to show up and make a name for myself.

One of the most memorable moments was absorbing his elbow. The referee had to stop the fight twice to let a doctor examine my injury. I was ready to go, but I remember thinking at that very moment that my destiny was in the hands of this doctor, and his decision whether to let me continue or not.

He let me carry on, so I had a chance to fight until the end and get the win.

ONE: What have you been up to after your last match? Did you take time off training because of an injury?

AR: I was not injured, but I had spent a lot of time in Thailand by then, and it took its toll on me.

I love training, I love this country, but being away from home is hard. In the end, I just wanted to go back home, rest and spend quality time with friends and family.

So, I left for three or four months, relaxed, and came back to Thailand rejuvenated, hungry and ready to train and fight again. I started my camp in Pattaya at Venum two months ago. 

ONE: What are your goals now in ONE Super Series, and how will this contest help you achieve them?

AR: My only goal now is the ONE belt, I am really motivated to go to the end for it. I am excited to fight Topic, because defeating him can bring me closer to this goal, because he is a well-known and decorated fighter.

ONE: What makes you excited about this match? 

AR: Topic has an interesting style, great technique, and he also fights smart. 

The main attraction of the fight is our different styles – he has quick legs and I have fast hands, so we will see what works better. 

ONE: How would you prefer to win – on points by showing dominance and better technique, or via a quick and spectacular KO?

AR: I don’t care how I win, as long as I get to show my level, and as long as I prove that I am better than him – that I am a higher level martial artist.  

I want everyone to be surprised by my skill set.