Why Azerbaijan’s Akif Guluzada May Be ONE Championship’s Next Big Star
At just 19 years old, ONE Championship athlete Akif Guluzada is rapidly proving himself as one of the most exciting stars in the martial arts world.
Guluzada is set to face Filipino American opponent Sean Climaco in an intriguing flyweight MMA bout at ONE Fight Night 31: Kongthoranee vs Nong-O II in the morning hours of Saturday, May 3.
The Azerbaijani fighter has already established himself as an MMA star, delivering top performances in three incredible victories in ONE Championship’s weekly fight series ONE Friday Fights.
Living up to his moniker as the “King” in three bouts, Guluzada picked up a clean 3-0 record at ONE Friday Fights with two victories coming by way of knockout, earning a big contract to join ONE Championship’s roster.
With an impressive 18-2 overall professional record, the rising MMA talent has proven that he owns serious knockout power, finishing Thai duo Puengluang Baanramba and Samingdam NF Looksuan.
The young athlete has also shown relentless pacing, dynamic striking, and high-volume approach – three aspects of his very entertaining style of fighting in the “art of eight limbs”.
Training under retired Algerian star, former ONE athlete, and renowned coach Mehdi Zatout, Guluzada continues to develop his technical style – and a win against an established fighter like Climaco may boost his status further and give him big future opportunities in the flyweight Muay Thai division.
