Though Dmitry Menshikov grew up in a city known for producing fighters, he didn’t explore combat sports when he was younger. With 27 professional wins under his belt and 11 straight wins, it’s difficult to imagine how the hulking Russian, who challenges Regian Eersel for the ONE Lightweight Muay Thai World Title in the main event of ONE Fight Night 11 this Friday, June 9, thought he was destined for anything else. 

But in a recent interview with ONE Championship, Menshikov explained how he was drawn in other directions during his childhood in Prokopyevsk before eventually realizing his home was in the ring.

Visiting the gym caused Dmitry Menshikov’s inner martial artist to spring out

“As a child, I always heard talks about Muay Thai and kickboxing and the well-known top fighters from our city. It was in all the talks, and I think that’s why I later joined it,” he said.

“Initially, I played football, but my father wanted me to do martial arts. We had a talk, and we decided I would start. I remember I didn’t want to do it that much. I wanted to continue playing football. But as soon as I entered the gym, I understood I belonged there at once, and I immediately gave up on football and dove into this.”

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Martial arts appeared to be an inevitable path for the 25-year-old, and he’ll take the next step this coming weekend when he emerges onto ONE’s global stage for the first time inside the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. Menshikov aims to become the first man to put a blemish on “The Immortal’s” pristine record in The Home of Martial Arts, but to say that will be easier said than done is a big understatement.

Dmitry Menshikov was motivated by his opponent Regian Eersel’s record instead of worrying

The Surinamese-Dutch striker is riding an incredible 21-fight winning streak that dates back to 2016, and he is coming off a knockout win in his first defense of the lightweight Muay Thai crown against Sinsamut Klinmee in March. 

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Eersel’s stature only motivates the Russian challenger to perform at his best, and he’ll throw everything at the World Champion at ONE Fight Night 11, knowing that everyone in his hometown is behind him 100%. “The city of Prokopyevsk is the city of champions, and I want to prove to the world that I’m the best. This will be a huge victory for myself, for my family, and my city.”