‘The Cobra’ locks up a clash with former featherweight MMA champion in Doha after defeating Halil Amir at ONE Fight Night 26 in Bangkok

Shamil Gasanov is set to fight former ONE Championship featherweight MMA champion Martin Nguyen in Qatar on February 20.

“The Cobra” set up the showdown after securing a unanimous decision win over Halil Amir at ONE Fight Night 26 on Saturday morning at Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium.

Asia-based martial arts promotion ONE will return to Doha’s Lusail Sports Arena early next year with MMA returning to the forefront. 

The 29-year-old Russian Gasanov is determined to lock up a title shot after defending his No 3 ranking once again.

“I just had some good news that you’re all gonna hear about soon, so look out because I’m ready to fight for the title,” Gasanov told the Bangkok Post backstage after his win.

“I guess the news is out, I guess you’ll probably see me in Qatar. Hey Martin, I’ve been waiting for you for one year – let’s go, brother. See you in Qatar, bro.”

Gasanov;s victory against former lightweight Amir of Turkey came inside a ring – but he will return to the more comfortable environs of the ONE Circle for his next fight.

“I’m very excited to be back in the cage,” Gasanov said. “I feel like that’s my territory, that is where I’m comfortable and I’m excited to show you what I’ve got there.”

Amir may have suffered his second straight loss since coming down to featherweight, but Gasanov was quick to point out that “No Mercy” was a former No 3-ranked contender at lightweight in ONE.

“I’m very happy, bro,” he added. “I feel great. I had a very strong, tough opponent – but we showed where we were better, and that was in the ground game.

“I really feel like I gave it my all. I gave it 100 percent, We weren’t able to go through the game plan we worked out with my coach, but in the end we won.

“I feel like the guy I just fought was a very tough contender, he was top three in the lightweight category, so I feel very excited about his win.”