Abdulla Dayakaev Has One Plan for Superlek Rematch: Smash and Finish for a US$50K Bonus
Russian knockout artist Abdulla Dayakaev is not looking back. In fact, he wants to make a louder statement against his Thai rival, Superlek.
The 24-year-old returns to face reigning ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion "The Kicking Machine" Superlek in a bantamweight Muay Thai co-main event at The Inner Circle 25 on Friday, August 7, streaming live on live.onefc.com.
Their first meeting at The Inner Circle 14 in May produced a split decision in Dayakaev's favor that immediately divided the combat sports world.
The Russian sent Superlek to the canvas for an eight-count in the opening round, a knockdown that proved decisive on two of the three scorecards despite the Thai pound-for-pound star's sustained pressure in the second and third.
Critics and pundits lined up to argue the result should have gone the other way, and the rematch on August 7 exists to settle the debate.
Dayakaev Stands By His First Win, Backs Himself to Do Better This Time
The controversy surrounding the split decision has not planted a seed of doubt in Dayakaev's mind. The Russian has processed the first fight and arrived at his own clear conclusion about what happened and what it means for August 7.
"I don't think about that fight. I know I won it. You cannot win if you do everything for one round. I won two rounds. This time, I will do better," Dayakaev said.
Dayakaev carries a 9-2 ONE record and six finishes into the rematch, having earned his roster spot through a remarkable ONE Friday Fights run that produced a US$100,000 contract.
The Russian Finisher Lays Out His Plan for Rematch
Tactical nuance is not the headline of Dayakaev's rematch approach. The Russian has stripped his game plan down to its most essential element and delivered a message that should excite every combat sports fan heading into this Friday.
"This fight is no different. I always only have one plan, to smash my opponent. When I finish, I will finish it. I always go for a knockout, and I hope Chatri is preparing 50G's for me," he explained.
Dayakaev's six stoppage wins from nine ONE victories demonstrate that the aggression behind that statement is not empty, and his willingness to hunt the finish against one of the most accomplished strikers in the world adds a compelling layer to what is already a highly anticipated rematch.
Dayakaev Targets Rambolek, a World Title Shot After Beating Superlek
Winning the rematch is not the end of Dayakaev's ambitions on August 7. It is the beginning of a larger plan. The young gun has identified the next obstacle on his path to championship gold and made clear who he wants after Superlek.
"When I win against Superlek, I want to fight Rambolek. guy stopped me one step before title shot. So for me it's good motivation. I hope they give me a title shot in the next fight," he said.
Rambolek Chor Ajalaboon's knockout of Dayakaev this past January to earn his own title shot remains a source of personal motivation that gives the rematch against Superlek an extra dimension.
Watch The Inner Circle 25 exclusively on live.onefc.com beginning at 7:30 a.m. ET/4:30 a.m. PT.
