Just six fights into his professional career, Russia’s Gadjimurad Abdulaev (6-0) has a win over a former ONE Championship title holder.
It should be pointed out that Abdulaev, who accepted the fight against Zebaztian Kadestam on two weeks’ notice, is a hot prospect in the welterweight division. Undefeated, with five finishes among his six victories. Kadestam, a former champ in the weight class, didn’t last half a round. The Russian secured the win with a neck crank.
“The fight was according to my plan, and thank god there was no injuries,” he said following the fight on Friday at Unbreakable, speaking to media outlets online. “I was prepared for three rounds, but I knew for a fact that he is the kind of man who gives up his back.” Kadestam did, and the submission was there.
So just a half-dozen fights into Abdulaev’s career, where does this leave the undefeated fighter? Beating a former champ often leads to a title shot, but so early on, there’s a question of experience.
“Zebazatian is definitely a strong man,” Abdulaev said, adding that his opponent was “a fighter who defended his belt twice. He just lost his belt last fight. I remember when he was fighting with Ben Askren, he was doing a very good job.”
And so, continued Adulaev, “I think whatever I did on the ground with him will [result in] a strong push in this division.”
Whether or not that leads to a title shot remains to be seen. But coming in on two weeks’ notice, Abdulaev pointed out that he wasn’t in proper shape for Friday’s bout. “If I have my full preparation and I have my full shape, I think this belt will definitely suit me.”
As for his undefeated record, that’s not something the Russian dwells on. God gives the results, Abdulaev opined. “I don’t really think about that. Everything I do I try my best. If I lose, I’ll accept it as a man. So I don’t really worry about this.”
Watch the full ONE Championship: Unbreakable post-fight interview with Gadjimurad Abdulaev above.
