"I’m Ready To Fight For The Belt": Magomed Magomedov Sets Sights On ONE Lightweight Gold After Debut Win

Magomed Magomedov fires warning to ONE lightweight contenders.© NDTV Photo Library

Magomed Magomedov has called for a shot at the ONE Lightweight MMA World Title after beating Lucas Gabriel in his promotional debut. The 31-year-old improved to 16-0 with a split-decision win at ONE Fight Night 49 in Bangkok on Friday. Magomedov, a Dagestani-trained fighter, controlled the first two rounds with takedowns and top pressure. Gabriel rallied late in the third, but two judges still sided with the Bahraini. Magomedov is now eyeing newly crowned champion Tye Ruotolo, who won the belt earlier that night.

Magomedov calls for a shot at the belt

“I'm very happy that I got a chance to get a debut in ONE Championship,” Magomed Magomedov said. “I was so happy that I got a debut with a very, very good fighter as well.”

The ‘Tiger' believes the win puts him in line for a title shot. He says Lucas Gabriel was also a contender, and beating him should count for something.

“I think I totally deserve to be a contender for the belt,” he said. “As far as you can see, if you watched my fight, I was doing very well, and I didn't give a chance to my opponent.” He added, “I'm ready to fight for the belt.”

The timing matters because Tye Ruotolo submitted Christian Lee earlier that night at The Inner Circle 37. Ruotolo claimed the lightweight MMA crown in the first round and became a two-sport ONE World Champion.

Magomedov fires a warning at Ruotolo

Magomedov is not backing away from Kade Ruotolo. He respects the American's grappling but believes his Dagestani wrestling will give him an edge.

“He is a good fighter, but I'm pretty sure that I will also be able to win over him,” Magomedov said. “I already showed that Dagestani wrestling is better than Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.”

Ruotolo is regarded as one of the world's best grapplers. But Magomedov says he is ready to test himself against the new champion.

Magomedov is harsh on his own performance

Magomedov was critical of his own display despite the win. He gave himself a six or seven out of 10 and said he could have done better.

“For me, it was a great chance to show myself and try to win,” he said. “But my opponent was very good. So about six to seven points.”

The split decision left him frustrated with the scoring. He believes he won the first two rounds and only lost the third.