“Lethal” Liam Nolan isn’t sweating his last-minute change of opponents at ONE Fight Night 18: Gasanov vs. Oh on Prime Video.

This Friday in U.S. Primetime, the British fan favorite will square off with promotional newcomer Ali Aliev in a lightweight Muay Thai clash at the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

Liam Nolan is not worried about the change in the opponent

Nolan was originally slated to battle undefeated French striker and Glory kickboxing veteran Theo Avon at the event, but a late change has him now facing the dangerous Russian.

“Lethal” spoke about his new foe, who trains out of the world-renowned Team Mehdi Zatout:

“It’s been a whirlwind couple of days, so I haven’t been able to see much of him. But I’m expecting him to be very good as he represents Team Mehdi Zatout. The Russian fighters there are always strong. I’m anticipating a good fight, but I’m looking to take him out.” 

 No matter the opponent, the 26-year-old Londoner comes into the contest with plenty of motivation.

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After a dominant victory over American star Eddie Abasolo in November 2022, injuries, illness, and surprise cancellations forced Nolan on the sidelines for all of 2023.

Nolan wants to start the year with a win and impress everyone

Given that time away from the action, nothing could have kept him out of ONE Fight Night 18. 

He’s excited to kick off 2024 with another impressive showing, reminding ONE’s global fanbase of his prodigious talent and continuing his climb toward a coveted shot at the ONE Lightweight Muay Thai World Title.

With his much-anticipated return fight against Aliev rapidly approaching, “Lethal” added:

“I want to start this year very strong, so I would be willing to fight whoever ONE put in front of me. I’m looking to be the #1 in the world and in order to do that, you have to be willing to fight everyone. And that’s what it comes down to for me.  

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 “Anyone, any place, any time. I was competing on this card no matter what.”