Uzbek flyweight says referee made ‘mistake’ in third-round ruling as he targets elite after victory over Kongthoranee at ONE Fight Night 36
ONE Championship’s rising Muay Thai star Aslamjon Ortikov believes his victory over Kongthoranee Sor Sommai should have been even more dominant – claiming he was not legitimately knocked down in the third round.
The Uzbek scored an impressive unanimous decision win in their flyweight contest on Saturday morning at ONE Fight Night 36 inside Lumpinee Stadium, a result that is expected to propel him into the top five rankings.
‘I promise you guys – every single one of you – just watch the fight,’ Ortikov told the Bangkok Post backstage. ‘He didn’t even hit me. He stepped three, four times and pushed my leg – it wasn’t a punch or knee or anything. You can just watch the video, I promise.’
Referee Olivier Coste ruled a knockdown midway through the final round when Kongthoranee appeared to trip Ortikov to the canvas, though the 26-year-old quickly rose to continue the fight unfazed.
‘Nothing happened. I just continued to fight,’ Ortikov said. ‘I felt great.’
It capped a measured performance from Ortikov, who controlled much of the bout with his long guard and counter timing. The victory marks his third straight under the ONE banner, and his first on the main roster after winning a US$100,000 contract in June – a streak that could lift him into contention among the division’s elite.
‘I think I’ll be number four now,’ he said. ‘This flyweight division is the best in ONE Championship. All the great fighters are here – and I’m one of them.’
Aslamjon Ortikov believes Kongthoranee did not knock him down – and insists he was tripped
Aslamjon Ortikov believes Kongthoranee did not knock him down – and insists he was tripped
Asked what comes next, Ortikov laughed. ‘Right now, next is just a burger with cheese and something to drink,’ he joked. ‘That’s it for now.’
But he was quick to add that he’s ready for any challenge when the time comes.
‘I don’t care who’s next,’ he said. ‘Whoever is in the rankings, I’m ready. I’m here for my dream. Nothing personal.’
That dream, he admitted, could one day include a showdown with the former two-sport champion Superlek Kiatmuu9, if the Thai star decides to drop back down to flyweight – where he still holds the kickboxing belt, but last competed over 15 months ago.
‘I don’t know if Superlek can make weight,’ Ortikov said. ‘If he can, why not? He’s a great fighter. We can fight – and after the fight, we can go eat together.’
The 22-year-old also praised Kongthoranee for a ‘great fight’ and said he hoped to share a meal with him, too, before leaving Bangkok.
‘I just want to say thank you to Chatri [Sityodtong, CEO] and to ONE Championship for this opportunity,’ he said. ‘I’m so happy – and I used it.’