5 Defining Moments: Shamil Gasanov

Surging Russian mixed martial arts prospect and ONE Championship featherweight contender Shamil Gasanov will take on Ho Taek Oh in the ONE on Prime Video 18 main event this Friday at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. A well-rounded athlete driven by the prospect of becoming a world champion, Gasanov’s journey in martial arts commenced in Dagestan with freestyle wrestling—a discipline deeply ingrained in his roots.

As he prepares for his forthcoming clash with Oh at 155 pounds, a look at five of the many moments that have come to define him:

1. He rose from a familiar crucible.

Hailing from Makhachkala, Russia, Gasanov was introduced to freestyle wrestling during his childhood years and never looked back. His deep commitment to the craft eventually led him to other disciplines. “The Cobra” garnered a trio of pankration titles in Russia and soon thereafter became a two-time European grappling champion and world grappling champion.

2. Sustained success marked his arrival in mixed martial arts.

Gasanov burst into the professional MMA realm with authority. The Dagestani achieved a string of eight consecutive victories before he arrived in ONE, seven of which resulted in finishes. The streak commenced at a Legion Fight Night show in 2015, as he put away Hayetbek Mamadzhanov with a rear-naked choke in just 57 seconds. This set the tone for a series of triumphs, many of them punctuated by his proficiency.

3. He can cause disruptions.

Formidable Russian featherweight Said Khatiev has secured 10 victories in his last 11 professional MMA bouts. The lone blemish resulted from his encounter with Gasanov. At Professional Fighting Championship 67 on Aug. 28, 2020, Gasanov handed Khatiev a defeat via unanimous decision, disrupting his otherwise commanding spree.

4. His springboard was made of gold.

Gasanov claimed the vacant PFC featherweight title in what would be his last fight for the organization. The Dagestani faced off against the formidable Akhmed Balkizov at PFC 70. Gasanov secured victory with a first-round guillotine choke, asserting his dominance and earning the championship belt. This triumph served as a launching pad for Gasanov’s journey onto the global stage, as he was subsequently signed by ONE Championship.

5. A strong first impression made him an immediate person of interest.

Gasanov delivered a breathtaking performance in his ONE Championship debut on Oct. 21, 2022 at ONE on Prime Video 3. “The Cobra” faced Jae Woong Kim and showcased his elite grappling by securing a first-round submission against “The Fighting God,” making a resounding entry into the featherweight division. His remarkable debut quickly earned him the No. 5 spot in the ONE Championship featherweight rankings, positioning him among the elite in the division.