Kiamran Abbasov: Being a double champion is important for my legacy
The wait is over. The long-awaited battle of two champions will finally take place this Friday, February 25, at ONE: Full Circle.
In the main event, Double Champion Reinier de Ridder will put his Middleweight title on the line against the king of the welterweight division, Kiamrian Abbasov. This battle is a long time in the making, as a series of events have delayed this much-anticipated confrontation. Establishing themselves as dominant force in their perspective divisions, it’s only fitting that these two dominant forces would eventually meet each other in battle.
Ridder has become untouchable thus far in ONE. His successful run saw The Dutch Knight going on a five-fight winning streak, capturing the Light Heavyweight and Middleweight title in a two-year time span. Ridder is excited about the upcoming fight against Abbasov. This will be his first time defending the Middleweight title.
“I am definitely pleased to finally get this fight,” Ridder said in speaking with ONE Championship officials. “It’s been scheduled before. He had to pull out last time, and I’m very happy to be here. Very happy to face Kiamrian, and I’m more than ready, looking forward to Friday.”
Nothing to lose, everything to gain, Kiamrian Abbasov comes into this upcoming battle with a lot of momentum on his side. Abbasov has worked endlessly in his rise to becoming the Top Dog of the ONE welterweight division. Abbasov’s last fight appearance saw him successfully defending his welterweight championship with a TKO finish over James Nakashima. Reemerging from a 15-month hiatus, Abbasov has his eye on the prize at ONE: Full Circle. A victory over Ridder will make Abbasov the first double champion from a CIS country, a legacy Abbasov is hell-bent on cementing for himself at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on February 25th.
“For me, it’s very important and for my legacy as well. It’s to be the first one in the organization from the CIS countries, like, from the Soviet Union countries who would hold two belts, so it’s very important to me.” I hope he’s ready fully for the fight.”
