Dmitry Menshikov will make him ONE Championship Premieres on Friday, June 9 at am ONE Fight Night 11. The Russian sweeper will take over Regian Ercel The World Muay Thai Lightweight Championship at the Lumpini Boxing Stadium. Although this is his first step into ONE, Menshikov enters with a wealth of experience and respect.
Menshikov’s first appearance as Spoiler appears in ONE Fight Night 11
Generally considered one of the best kickboxers on the planet, Menshikov fits perfectly into the lightweight landscape of ONE’s Kickboxing and Muay Thai division. Going on a winning streak of 11 bouts, Menshikov is poised to leap onto the world stage with a massive chance. The main event slot is a dream come true, and all that remains is to square one of the pound-for-pound greats on Friday.
“ONE Championship is the best organization in the world where the best and best fighters are gathered. I think everyone dreams of getting into this organization, and this was also my goal to get there and win the belt. I was offered a title match on my debut, and I immediately agreed. I don’t have No feelings but trust. I want to prove that I’m number one,” Menshikov told ONE.
“The Immortal” has dominated the lightweight division for years, and his run towards a historic legacy has given him an aura of invincibility to some. However, the 25-year-old is not among those who think he is unbeatable. According to the Russian star, he sees nothing unusual from the reigning lightweight monarch.
“I consider [Eersel] One of the best fighters in the world. I think he has already proven that by taking the belt in kickboxing in an organization like ONE Championship as well as in Muay Thai. And [he did it] Despite the fact that he is a primary kickboxer. In my career I have met very outstanding and strong fighters, and I don’t think Ircel is better or stronger than them. He’s just a fighter like the rest. “I don’t see anything special in it,” said Menshikov.
A winning streak of 11 bouts brought Menshikov to this point. Even though this would be Menshikov’s first time wearing the four-ounce glove, he was still confident he would get Eersel to play his game. While he doesn’t make a prediction, Menshikov is certain it will stop the momentum of the Eersel train tumbling down Bangkok.
“I know how to get to him, how to dictate my rules, how to be the boss in the ring. I want him to play by my rules. I actually don’t bet on a knockout or a judge’s decision. Yes, I have the power of a KO. I know how to hit and reach him, but I also have Plan for a five-round fight in a protracted fight situation. I’ll win either way. “I’ll stop his winning streak,” said Menshikov.
If the Russian star achieves victory, he can expect another match against Irsel in the near future. Menshikov also wants to take the lightweight kickboxing world championship. As one of the most respected kickboxers on the planet, Menshikov has his sights set on his own legacy.
“I want to take the belt both in Muay Thai and kickboxing. I want to deprive him of all his titles and take it for myself. This will be a huge victory for myself, for my family and for my city. But I’m not going to stop there. I will have to defend these belts. I will have to Training more, working harder, and also taking belts in other weight classes.”
ONE Fight Night 11 is broadcasting live from Bangkok on Friday, June 9th. The event begins at 8pm EST / 5pm PT on Prime Video. The event is free for all Amazon Prime members residing in the United States and Canada.