‘I’m Looking To Finish The Fight’ – Samat Mamedov Aims For A Statement Victory Against Maurice Abevi
Unbeaten Kazakh powerhouse Samat Mamedov plans to make waves in his highly anticipated ONE Championship debut on September 6 at ONE 168: Denver.
That night, live in U.S. primetime from Ball Arena, the 25-year-old phenom will square off with Switzerland’s Maurice Abevi in a lightweight MMA tilt that represents a meeting of two of the sport’s most talented young fighters.
Boasting a pristine 10-0 professional record with a near-perfect finishing rate, Mamedov brings world-class skills and plenty of hype with him into his first appearance in the world’s largest martial arts organization.
After dominating the regional scene in Kazakhstan, he is being thrown into the deep end of the talent-laden lightweight MMA division. Abevi, with his ruthless finishing instincts and natural athleticism, is a dangerous opponent for any man.
Mamedov spoke to onefc.com about what his opponent will bring to the Circle:
“Abevi has a reach advantage with long arms that I think he’ll try to use. Other than that, he’s a well-rounded fighter with knockout power who’s dangerous on the ground. Most of his fights end early, and I don’t think this one will go the distance.”
Indeed, Abevi is a proven finisher who is equally capable of ending fights on the canvas as he is on his feet.
For that reason, Mamedov has left no stone unturned in his training camp, which was split between his hometown of Shymkent and Almaty in Kazakhstan.
He added:
“We’re preparing for everything, including stand-up, wrestling, and clinching. In modern MMA, you can’t rely on just one thing. My team and I are working on all aspects of the game.”
The promotional newcomer knows he’ll need to be in top form if he wants to keep his perfect record intact.
To do that, he plans to repeat the same game plan that earned him a shot in ONE Championship – an intelligent, tactical approach coupled with relentless aggression and an eye for the finish.
Mamedov added:
“My biggest advantage will be my fighting IQ. I’m going to be explosive and keep attacking. I’m looking to finish the fight.”
Mamedov Dreams Of World Title Contention
If he’s able to get past Maurice Abevi, Samat Mamedov knows he will have announced himself as a legitimate contender in ONE’s lightweight MMA division.
A finish would be ideal, he says, but the real goal is setting himself up for an even bigger opportunity in the future.
Mamedov added:
“Of course, I want to finish the fight early, but the main thing is to win and make a statement in ONE. I’ll definitely leave a message for future opponents.”
Now just a few weeks away from ONE’s blockbuster return to Denver, Mamedov is brimming with confidence and ready to rise to the occasion against the stiffest test of his career.
He says that Abevi is the first step on his climb toward 26 pounds of gold:
“Abevi is the most dangerous and experienced opponent of my career, but I’m ready. I wouldn’t have signed with ONE if I wasn’t. My team and I have a long-term plan, and the ONE belt is part of it. That title will be mine in the future.”
