Tagir Khalilov is still looking to take out a ranked opponent in the flyweight Muay Thai division at ONE Fight Night 12. But instead of #5-ranked Elais Mahmoudi, he’s suddenly been thrust into action against the division’s top contender, who he’ll face in the main event. After a change at the top that saw the ONE Light Heavyweight Kickboxing World Title battle between reigning king Roman Kryklia and Albanian challenger Francesko Xhaja cancelled, “Samingpri” is now scheduled to take on Superlek Kiatmoo9 on Friday, July 14. 

The star-studded show, which will be held inside the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, will be broadcast live and free for Prime Video subscribers in North America.

Tagir Khalilov didn’t want to miss the chance to fight someone like Superlek Kiatmoo9

A last-minute opponent change is always a risky move for a fighter, but in an interview with ONE Championship, Khalilov said that the opportunity to meet Superlek was too big to pass up. “Opportunities like this are rare, and I want to climb to the very top in this organization. I want the ONE Championship belt, and to become the best, you have to fight the best,” he said.

“I discussed everything with the team, and we accepted the challenge. Everyone knows that I’m not looking for easy ways – I made my ONE debut against Rodtang on one week’s notice.”

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“The Kicking Machine” also agreed to the match on short notice, and he will be making a quick turnaround after his flawless victory over Nabil Anane at ONE Friday Fights 22 just three weeks ago.

Tagir Khalilov made minor changes since he had prepared for Superlek Kiatmoo9 previously

Though Superlek is seen by many as the best flyweight striker in the world, Khalilov says that switching his focus to the Thai superstar didn’t entail too much of a changeup. After all, they were scheduled to meet last year before the bout ultimately fell through. 

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“The change in opponent didn’t really affect my training camp. We made some small adjustments,” Khalilov said. “I had already prepared for Superlek back then when we were booked to fight, so I had a game plan in place. We had to revise the old plan, but we didn’t change much.”