Kiamrian Abbasov Will Be The Hunter Against James Nakashima

It has been a year since Kiamrian Abbasov defeated Zebaztian Kadestam at ONE: Dawn Of Valor to claim the ONE welterweight title. On November 6th, at ONE: Inside The Matrix 2, the Kyrgyzstani champion will finally get to make his first title defence against James Nakashima.

“I Am Very Hungry Now”

Speaking to ONE Championship, Abbasov said that he is more than ready to return to the ONE Circle.

“My last bout happened a year ago, so I am very hungry now,” Abbasov said. “It doesn’t feel like preparation for a title defence. It feels like I am training for a title shot again. I have so much hunger right now. I feel like I am fighting for another belt – like I’m shooting for more gold.”

An Unreal Experience

For Abbasov, winning the welterweight title back in October 2019 was a surreal experience. After dominating most of the competition, with victories over Agilan Thani and Yushin Okami, the 27 year old was finally king of the division.

“It was incredible,” said Abbasov. “When I had my hand raised in the air, I couldn’t believe that I’d become a ONE world champion. For the first two or three days, I could not believe that I had become a ONE world champion, and only after getting back home did the feeling sink in.”

“Let’s See Whose Wrestling Is Better”

Unfortunately, the coronavirus pandemic has delayed his plans for a title defence. But as restrictions eased, Abbasov was able to resume training and a fight with Nakashima finally materialised. Now their fight is finally happening, and the champion has been doing his homework on his opponent.

“We have been analysing his techniques and tactics, mainly based on his last about against Yushin Okami,” Abbasov said. “Mainly, it’s a job for my coaches, as I don’t like watching my opponents. It’s usually enough to see one fight, and that’s enough for me to understand what’s what. He is a tenacious wrestler, so let’s see whose wrestling is better.”

No Room For Losing

Nakashima, who previously called out the reigning champion, is no slouch either as he holds a 12-0 record in mixed martial arts competition. But Abbasov, who is 22-4, won’t let his opponent’s record intimidate him. “Brazen” believes that while the MMA Lab representative has faced his fair share of top-level fighters, he has yet to face someone like him.

“I don’t care about his record. I am not scared,” said Abbasov. “He fought top opponents, so he could make a great competition. I don’t know him as a person, but I respect him as an opponent. However, he hasn’t fought guys like me, and it will be a big problem for him.

“Losing is not [an option] for me right now. Everything depends on how much effort you put into your training and how hard you work. The more you give to your training, the better result – like a big win – you can expect.”

After so much time away from competition, Abbasov won’t holding anything back when he steps into the ONE Circle to make his first title defence, and wants to make a big statement by beating the undefeated Nakashima to retain his title.

“Many people say it is harder to defend a title than to get one because you have more motivation, but I don’t think so,” Abbasov said. “I have always been and remain a hunter, and opponents are my prey.”

Who do you think leaves the ONE Circle as the welterweight champion when Kiamrian Abbasov defends his title against James Nakashima at ONE: Inside The Matrix 2?

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