Aaron Canarte did not have the ONE Championship debut he had hoped for last July at ONE Fight Night 12. The formerly unbeaten talent was stopped in the first round by Akbar Abdullaev. Now, Canarte returns at ONE Fight Night 24 on Friday, August 2, against Shamil Gasanov.
“Now that my perfect record is gone, I know how it feels to lose and feel like I have less pressure on me. I think this fight will be different because I have a lot of confidence in myself, and I’m going to come forward. I’m bringing my all against Shamil Gasanov and winning this fight,” Canarte explained to ONE.
Coming to grips with his first loss was not easy for the Ecuadorian athlete. However, Canarte got back in the right frame of mind and returned to the gym to continue his pursuit of greatness. A look at the long list of MMA greats revealed a singular loss does not define a career.
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“It was a bit difficult because of the way that I lost and because I lost my perfect record. I didn’t want to return to training, and I took some time to rest. But after that, I told myself that I have to continue moving forward. I reminded myself that this sport is difficult and that even the greats have lost. I knew I had to move forward and continue improving,” the Ecuadorian said.
Canarte’s return to the ring will offer a significant opportunity. He will have a chance to beat a ranked opponent and jump right back into the thick of the featherweight division. Gasanov, currently ranked No. 5 in the official ONE athlete rankings, will have everything to lose, and Canarte is planning to seize the underdog mentality.
“I don’t have anything to lose. I’m fighting someone who’s ranked, which means that I have a lot to win but not much to lose. I’m focused, and I have a lot of confidence this time around. I’ve worked hard, and I’m going into this fight with a lot of confidence in my ability,” Canarte expressed.
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Gasanov has utilized his ground game to great effect throughout his career. After his last defeat, Canarte is focusing on how to disrupt the pressure and wrestling of the Russian standout. When the bell rings, he hopes his tireless work will pay off and stymie the featherweight contender to usurp his spot.
“I’ve studied Gasanov with my team at Phuket Fight Club. He’s a good wrestler, but I also have good wrestling. I’m confident that I’d be able to control him. We’re going to see what happens. I’ve been working for so many years, and I feel great,” Canarte stated.
Canarte does not just think he can win this match; he is adamant that he will get the job done. That confidence has grown after watching Gasanov’s tape. “Tommy Gun” hopes to weather the storm, draw Gasanov into deep waters, and finish the fight.
“He forces a finish in the first round, and he tends to gas out because of it. I don’t think he’s good at going all three rounds. I also don’t think his striking is the strongest. I see myself knocking him out or submitting him,” the 27-year-old said.
ONE Fight Night 24 airs live on Prime Video on Friday, August 2. The action begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. The event is free for all Amazon Prime subscribers based in the U.S. and Canada.
