Kiamrian Abbasov is ready to defend the ONE Welterweight World Championship at ONE on Prime Video 4 on Friday, November 18. The challenge? It will come from ONE Championship’s lightweight king Christian Lee. The star-studded matchup will headline the next installment on Prime Video, free to all Amazon Prime subscribers in the U.S. and Canada.
The welterweight titleholder takes nothing away from Lee, calling him an explosive fighter. However, he believes the size difference will be an issue for the United MMA star. Part of that belief comes from his own experience in attempting to move up a division. Having that experience, Abbasov feels he has a leg up on “The Warrior.”
“When I was moving up a level [to middleweight], I lacked some skills, which I am working hard on now. Everybody has a chance. This is going to be the type of a fight where you cannot predict anything, and you definitely cannot underestimate your opponent, even if he is coming from the lightweight division. It is all about character, willpower, and determination. We will see if he can show it in the cage. I am ready,” said Abbasov.
The well-rounded Hawaii resident is a staple in ONE, even though he is only 24 years old. Lee holds the organizational record for most finishes and is most recently coming off a highlight-reel finish over Ok Rae Yoon to reclaim the ONE Lightweight World Championship. But none of that phases Abbasov.
The Kyrgyz is a finisher in his own right. He has finished three of his four wins on the global stage and has 11 total KO/TKO finishes on his record. If Lee wishes to exchange leather, he is more than happy to oblige. However, if the lightweight king initiates the grappling exchanges, Abbasov is confident his wrestling will be sufficient to stifle Lee.
“As you know, I prefer not to rely only on my wrestling. If he will feel like trading punches, he is welcome. That is what we like to do. But if he feels brave enough to wrestle, then I can take him to deep waters, and we will see who has more oxygen,” said Abbasov.
The collision of ONE World Champions will cap off an exciting event on Friday. With a growing roster of eager welterweights, including Roberto Soldic, the result will set the stage for an engaging 2023, no matter who gets their hand raised. But for Abbasov, he is ready to assert his dominance and keep the title around his waist as he looks to shut down another crowning achievement for Lee.
ONE on Prime Video 4: Abbasov vs. Lee airs live and free on Friday, November 18, at 8 p.m. ET/5 a.m. PT. Tickets for the event are on sale now at Ticketmaster.
