Elias Mahmoudi is coming to Bangkok to make a statement. On Friday, August 2, the Algerian striker returns to ONE Championship at ONE Fight Night 24 on Prime Video to take on Taiki Naito in a flyweight kickboxing contest. Whether it was Naito or anyone else, “The Sniper” was ready to sign on the dotted line.
“I didn’t choose him. He was offered to me and I accepted. I didn’t think anything special about him. He’s a good opponent like all Japanese people in general. I am really motivated for this fight against Naito, my goal is victory,” Mahmodi detailed to ONE.
Mahmoudi has flirted with gold before and is trying to keep pace in the loaded flyweight division. Much the same, Naito is hoping to join the conversation with a victory. The Algerian knows that Naito will be a tough out inside Lumpinee Boxing Stadium despite the inconsistent performances.
DOMINATION ⚔️
Elias Mahmoudi 🇩🇿 drops Edgar Tabares thrice for a first-round TKO!
Tune in to Prime Video NOW to catch the rest of ONE Fight Night 13!#ONEFightNight13 | 🔴 Live Now
🇺🇸🇨🇦 Watch live on Prime 👉 https://t.co/lYPxqOKmsU
🌍 Live TV broadcast in 170+ countries… pic.twitter.com/KXYmCynRYS— ONE Championship (@ONEChampionship) August 5, 2023
“Naito is a complete fighter with many more strong points than weak points. I don’t think I have an advantage over him or him over me. We are both experienced fighters. The more determined fighter will win. One thing is certain, I am coming for the double bonus, and at least one bonus. To deserve it, I must put on a show that lives up to what the public and the boss expect of us,” the 26-year-old described.
Mahmoudi was slated to contend for kickboxing gold in January. However, an injury forced him out of a meeting against Superlek Kiatmoo9. Even though the lost opportunity could get an athlete down, Mahmoudi has found positives to take away from the situation.
Chiefly, “The Sniper” was happy to have time to rest and recover. Fully healthy, Mahmoudi wanted to ease himself back into competition. At ONE Fight Night 24, his wish was granted, and now he has the chance to make good with a top-notch performance.
VICIOUS combinations 😨 Can Elias Mahmoudi outstrike Taiki Naito on August 2 at ONE Fight Night 24 on @primevideo?
#ONEFightNight24 | Fri Aug 2 at 8PM ET/5PM PT
🇺🇸🇨🇦 Watch Live on Prime
🇬🇧🇮🇪 Watch Live on Sky Sports pic.twitter.com/usXKEBnhJi— ONE Championship (@ONEChampionship) July 23, 2024
“Life is like this. It was not destined despite my desire to fight for this title. For the rest, I took the time to recover well. I am at 100 percent of my abilities. I wanted a kickboxing fight for my recovery from the injury to my right hand during my fight against [Edgar] Tabares,” Mahmoudi stated.
If Mahmoudi is able to get past Naito, he will not be looking for Superlek. Instead, Mahmoudi has said he wants to turn his attention to ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon. While anything could happen, he is putting his wish out into the universe and hoping “The Iron Man” will be aware of his presence.
“After this fight, I would like to fight in Muay Thai against Denis Puric so when I win, I can have a chance to face Rodtang Jitmuangnon for the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title. But that does not depend on me. It is the organization who has the last word,” Mahmoudi 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.
