Martin “The Situ-Asian” Nguyen’s return to ONE Championship at ONE Fight Night 7: Lineker vs. Andrade II on Prime Video has had a slight plot twist, but he will still fancy his chances inside the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, this Friday, February 24.

Earlier today, the promotion revealed that the former two-division king’s original opponent, Shamil “The Cobra” Gasanov, was forced out of the tie due to a health issue. 

They have picked Kyrgyzstani phenom Razhab Shaydullaev, who will be making his promotional bow on the talent-jammed bill, to replace him.

Shamil Gasanov is not liking his withdrawal

In an Instagram post late last week, Gasanov vented his frustration and explained the reason behind his withdrawal. 

The meeting was set to be pivotal for both parties, as a win for either man would have set them on an upward trajectory in the featherweight division.

For Nguyen, handing Gasanov his first career defeat would have been a welcome morale boost after succumbing to a TKO loss in his last outing in the Circle. 

Read more: Danielle Kelly Praises Ayaka Miura but Promises to Surprise Her at ONE Fight Night 7: “I Have a Few Tricks Up My Sleeve”

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“The Cobra,” meanwhile, viewed the Vietnamese-Australian as a huge step up, and a statement win over a fighter that reigned over two divisions would have been crucial in his quest for the featherweight crown. 

Martin Nguyen still has his hands full with Razhab Shaydullaev

Given both of their current rankings, with Nguyen in the #4 spot and Gasanov in #5, a fight is likely to be put in the books at some point.

Read more: “I Have Never Run Away From Tough Opponents” – Shamil Gasanov Eyes To Get the Better of His Rival Matin Nguyen at ONE Fight Night 7

For now, though, Nguyen will turn his attention to Shaydullaev – another formidable opponent eager to make it big inside the ONE Circle.

The 22-year-old owns a spotless 8-0 professional resume, with a 100 percent finishing rate. He has four victories apiece by knockout and submission.

Shaydullaev made a sizeable impact in Russia’s top MMA organization, and he hopes to carry that form onto the global stage.

He faces a notable test in Nguyen, one of the most senior fighters on the ONE roster, so sparks are sure to fly when they square off.

Fans in the U.S. and Canada can watch this featherweight tilt at ONE Fight Night 7: Lineker vs. Andrade II on Prime Video live for free with an Amazon Prime subscription on Friday, February 24.