‘Was Not Myself’ – Marat Grigorian Eager For Redemption After World Title Loss To Superbon
Pound-for-pound striking star Marat Grigorian will begin his comeback tour at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on Friday, September 30.
Following a disappointing defeat to Superbon Singha Mawynn for the ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Title back in March, the 31-year-old is itching to return against Tayfun Ozcan at ONE on Prime Video 2: Xiong vs. Lee III.
The Armenian-Belgian knows he didn’t perform anywhere near his best in that rematch with the Thai superstar.
Now, the division’s #2-ranked contender desperately wants to redeem himself, prove that his skills are still elite, and stay in the division’s World Championship picture.
Grigorian said.
“I was in really good shape against Superbon. I was really good, sharp with all the tactics. But on that night, my body was just not working. I don’t know why. My knees were shaking. I don’t know what happened. Maybe overdoing it, maybe jet lag.
“I don’t like to have an excuse about that. He clearly won that fight so it’s over. But I was not myself, how I am really. That’s it. Congratulations to Superbon, but I can’t wait to get the title shot again, where I can show the world what I am about.”
While Grigorian knows he wasn’t firing on all cylinders at ONE X, he won’t let that loss get the better of him.
Instead, the three-time Glory Kickboxing World Champion is staying positive while using the setback as a lesson to improve his game.
And with he and Superbon tied 1-1, Grigorian believes they’ll inevitably meet again to settle their rivalry in a trilogy fight.
The Hemmers Gym representative said:
“It’s like life, you know? You have ups and downs and you must work to get to the top again. I’m working on it because of the last fight, and I’m looking forward. I will do everything I have in my power [to get there].”
Marat Grigorian Promises To Come Back Stronger Against Tayfun Ozcan
On September 30, #2-ranked contender Marat Grigorian and #5-ranked Tayfun Ozcan are both hoping to climb the featherweight kickboxing ladder when they clash at ONE on Prime Video 2.
The European standouts were always going to meet at some point, and Grigorian feels like he is well-acquainted with the Dutch-Turkish striker.
He is excited to face another world-class foe, and he thinks their matchup will produce an entertaining showcase.
Grigorian said:
“I am just looking to come back stronger. My opponent doesn’t matter. We were gonna fight [eventually], definitely. He’s a guy from the Netherlands. I know him and yes, I’m happy to fight against him.
“The best thing about him is I think he’s fast. He moves fast. Tayfun is using the cage in good way, so I’m looking forward to fighting him. It will be a good fight, me and him.”
After a tough loss, Grigorian knows he must deliver a vintage performance against an elite opponent to have a shot at the divisional gold in the near future.
And if he can get past Ozcan in U.S. primetime, he would expect to challenge either Superbon or #1 contender Chingiz Allazov, who will battle for the belt later that night.
Grigorian added:
“Yes, I think [a win will earn me a World Title shot]. Because who else who else deserves it? I’m looking forward to fighting against the winner of the fight with Chingiz, I’ll stay in good shape. So we’ll see.
“Now is not the time to talk. Now is the time to show again who I am and what I can do.”