Azamat Bakytov (6-0) vs. Ramazan Mustafaev (5-0)
Kazakhstan isn’t exactly known as an epicenter of MMA action, but it serves as the host for one of the bigger regional shows of the coming weekend. Naiza Fighting Championship is set for its 30th event, with a headlining affair for the interim featherweight crown. However, it’s a lightweight fight further down the lineup that really catches the eye thanks to the presence of two undefeated upstarts. Those men are Azamat Bakytov and Ramazan Mustafaev.
Bakytov is the native son in this fight. The Almaty resident made his pro debut in 2015 and won three fights before taking a two-year hiatus from competition. Upon his 2018 return, he resumed his winning ways. However, he’s still averaging just one fight per year. His best opponent thus far has been Boris Medvedev, whom Bakytov outpointed for a decision under the M-1 Challenge banner. It was by far his most high-profile appearance. “Massaget” has stopped all of his remaining foe
Warrior’s Quest from the Singapore Indoor Stadium in Singapore.
In the night’s main event, the promotion’s lightweight champion, Shinya Aoki, put his belt on the line against his countryman, Koji Ando. The 32-year-old Aoki had never tasted defeat in the ONE cage and rode a seven-fight winning streak into the title affair. Twenty-five of his 37 career wins had come via submission. Ando, meanwhile, had scored back-to-back finishes over Zorobabel Moreira and Rafael Nunes to earn his shot at gold.
The co-main event also featured gold on the line as the promotion crowned its inaugural strawweight champion. Thailand’s Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke clashed with Filipino fighter Roy Doliguez to prove which fighter is the best 115-pound combatant under the ONE banner.
Out of Obscurity: EFN 63, ACB 58 and M-1 Challenge 76
Every week, Combat Press takes a look at three regional, developmental or international cards from the upcoming weekend, previewing from each a single fight to which people should pay close attention. We will also list other significant bouts from the card, as well as information on how to follow each promotion and watch the events.
Let’s discover those prospects that fight in the obscurity of the regional, developmental and international circuits, waiting for their shot at the bright lights and big stage of the UFC, and those veterans looking for one more chance at stardom. It all begins here, in the small convention centers and high school gymnasiums. It all begins with promotions such as these…