Jamal “Yeniceri” Yusupov has been eying the ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Title for years, and at ONE Fight Night 7: Lineker vs. Andrade II on Prime Video, the Russian slugger could finally lay his hands on the prestigious strap. The Dagestani native faces off against divisional king Tawanchai PK.Saenchai on Friday, February 24, a match that has been years in the making.

Yusupov was slated to compete for the crown on a couple of occasions in the past. Unfortunately, the five-round match never came to realization for various reasons. None of that postponements or delays have crushed his spirit to become a World Champion, however.

Jamal Yusupov was confident about receiving a title shot

“I have been moving toward this goal for a long time. I have been anticipating this title fight, and now, I am here,” the 39-year-old said. “I was not worried [that I had missed the opportunity]. I knew I was the number one contender, as I did not see anyone else in the division who could fight for the belt other than me. However, this fight is certainly a big step for me, and it is a big responsibility.”

Now that he’s just weeks away from his long-awaited goal, “Yeniceri” wants to ensure he doesn’t put a foot wrong inside Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

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The Russian burst into the striking-only division of the promotion with a stunning knockout of Yodsanklai Fairtex in November 2019, and he followed up with another triumph against dangerous French striker Samy “AK47” Sana. In his most recent outing, Yusupov put in another striking clinic to dispatch “Smokin’” Jo Nattawut to maintain his undefeated run inside the Circle.

Jamal Yusupov is focused on his goal and unperturbed about his rival

Tawanchai may be a different threat altogether, but the veteran fighter is not fazed by his rival’s accomplishments. “I would not say that Tawanchai’s recent activity would play any role in our fight. I am preparing for this fight very seriously,” the Hyperion Fighters representative added.

“The training camp went well. I am ready both mentally and physically. I am focused on this fight 100 percent now.” Defeating the division’s main striker will not come easy, but based on what he has shared, Yusupov feels he holds the key to making Tawanchai’s reign a short-lived one.

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Find out if he succeeds in his mission at ONE Fight Night 7: Lineker vs. Andrade II on Prime Video on Friday, February 24.