Giorgio Petrosyan Hails 'Magic' Experience With ONE In 2018

If Giorgio “The Doctor” Petrosyan proved one thing during his first year in ONE Championship, it is that he is still at the pinnacle of the kickboxing world.

The Armenian-Italian signed with ONE Super Series at the start of 2018 and went on to produce a pair of spellbinding performances in the world’s largest martial arts organization.

“The Doctor” has experienced combat in every corner of the globe over the past 16 years across more than 100 contests, but he says his experience in The Home Of Martial Arts already stands above anything in his career.

“After doing these two matches, I confirm that ONE Championship is the best organization I have ever experienced,” he reveals.

“Both on the outside for the show that is presented each time, and inside for how we are treated as fighters behind the scenes.”

His first outing was a thrilling three-round battle with “Smokin” Jo Nattawut at ONE: HEROES OF HONOR in April, where his famed surgical precision kept him ahead of the hard-hitting two-division Lion Fight Muay Thai World Champion.

In November, Petrosyan returned at ONE: HEART OF THE LION in Singapore, and produced an even more clinical showing, but not before tasting the best of what The Lion City has to offer.

“It was a beautiful week, Singapore is a great city,” says the 33-year-old, who expects to return in February to train at Evolve.

“What can I say about the evening? Again ONE amazed me. The building was full as always, and the crowd was so enthusiastic. I lived a magic week.”

The Milan native topped it off with a sublime performance and dominated Sorgraw Petchyindee Academy with a flawless three-round offensive.

Sorgraw, a Lumpinee Stadium Muay Thai World Champion, refused to back down despite the non-stop barrage of shots he faced, but he had no answer for the southpaw’s precise and powerful combinations.

At the end of three rounds, he was routed on the scorecards after a performance that went down as the year’s greatest.

“We knew it would be a tough match,” he offers.

“All of the athletes at this level are not easy, they are motivated – especially those who fight against me because they have nothing to lose.

“The match went as I had planned. I had studied my opponent well, and I managed to do what I had prepared for in training.”

Petrosyan adapted perfectly to his new surroundings – it was his first bout inside a cage – and showed that his analytical approach to the game is his biggest asset.

“It was a strange experience because I did not have the ropes, but it has been a positive experience, and I hope one day to be able to do it again.”

“The Doctor” has hit new heights in 2018, and earned legions of new fans in Asia as the ONE Super Series Athlete Of The Year. His career has had plenty of highs, but the past 12 months rank up there with the best of them.

“I would not change anything, 2018 went just as I wanted,” he concludes.

His focus is now on continuing his ascent toward the championship gold. He is 2-0 in the ONE Super Series ranks, and preparations are underway for 2019, when he will take part in the ONE Super Series Featherweight World Grand Prix.