Maurice Abevi is coming off a signature win over Zhang Lipeng and is hoping to make it three in a row at ONE 168: Denver. On Friday, September 6, the lightweight faces Samat Mamedov to try and push himself into the title picture. But just being at the second U.S. event has the Swiss star grateful for the opportunity.
“I feel like I got really sharp before the last fight, but in the fight itself, I feel like I couldn’t really show everything I had, so that’s why I’m really motivated to bring this next performance to the Circle. It’s exciting, and I feel that by fighting in the U.S. now, it’s a sign that I am appreciated by ONE. I appreciate that from them as well. They want me to deliver, and I want to deliver. I will give everything to deliver on that date,” Abevi mentioned to ONE.
Mamedov will be a difficult out. Thus far, nobody has toppled the Turkish star. Abevi plans to unload all his tricks on a massive card to stand out from the crowd.
Swiss star Maurice Abevi welcomes undefeated Samat Mamedov to ONE in a high-stakes lightweight MMA clash at ONE 168: Denver 👊🔥 Who you got on September 6?
ONE 168 | Sep 6 at 8PM ET
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⭐️ Stage Front VIP packages 👉… pic.twitter.com/aaPxM5c7CH— ONE Championship (@ONEChampionship) July 16, 2024
“I feel like this fight is going to be me showing all my skills. In ONE so far, I could show some of what I’m capable of, but I was never able to put my whole arsenal on display. I feel like in this fight, I can really throw my whole arsenal and show some new stuff, show some more spinning kicks,” the rising lightweight contender remarked.
Abevi is complimentary of the skills Mamedov brings to the table. However, according to the 24-year-old, one significant difference is the level of competition he has faced to date. As Mamedov prepares for his first rodeo in ONE Championship, Abevi plans to show him that life is much different on the global stage.
“Mamedov is a good wrestler and an aggressive guy. I think he’s a good opponent. I think he’s super dangerous. He’s finished nearly all of his fights. His opponents were not really top-notch, but he finished them all in the first round, and that must mean something. I really respect him a lot as a fighter. I think he is going to give me a good challenge,” Abevi said.
The expectation for Abevi is a fast-paced fight. That determination comes from watching the Turk’s other matches. But Abevi is planning for a little more time in the Circle on September 6.
Although the Swiss athlete does have some tricks he wants to show in Denver, he wants to play it smart. Abevi wants to stay fundamentally sound to wear down the ONE debutant on September 6. Once in control, Abevi then sees an easy path to victory.
“It’s good for me that he comes out fast because I like to move a lot. I like to stay at distance. I think I can make him swing and hit air a lot and try to shoot bad takedowns because he’s not that experienced with high-level fighters. He’s going to get tired if he’s used to finishing people quickly. I’m going to use my jab, use my footwork, weather the storm in the first, and then take over in the second and third,” Abevi commented.
ONE 168: Denver airs live on Prime Video on Friday, September 6. The action begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and is free for all Amazon Prime members in the U.S. and Canada. Remaining tickets at on sale now via Ticketmaster.
