Akif "King" Guluzada is set to make a significant comeback as he prepares for his main event bout against Ferrari Fairtex at The Inner Circle 29. This highly anticipated bantamweight kickboxing match will take place at Bangkok's renowned Lumpinee Stadium, with the event scheduled to stream live exclusively for subscribers on September 4.
This fight marks Guluzada's second appearance in a main event under the ONE Championship banner, and the 21-year-old Azerbaijani fighter is eager to return to winning form. His previous outing at ONE Fight Night 44 ended in disappointment, as he faced Johan "Panda Kick" Estupinan and suffered a unanimous decision defeat. This loss interrupted a promising streak where he had achieved five consecutive victories, including impressive knockouts against notable opponents such as Puengluang Baanramba and Samingdam Looksuan.
Following his last fight, Guluzada reflected on the factors that contributed to his defeat, particularly his struggle with weight management. He noted that he lost too much weight prior to the fight, which affected his performance. "In my last fight, I think I just lost too much weight. It was a problem for that fight. In fact, I did not have power. I couldn’t perform, just nothing," he explained. Now, having moved up to bantamweight, he feels more capable and confident, stating, "Now I’m [performing much] better at bantamweight. I will show that in this fight. I will show everyone who the real Akif is."
Guluzada's confidence extends beyond his own adjustments; he is also focused on his opponent, Ferrari Fairtex. Known for his extensive Muay Thai background and a wealth of experience from over a hundred professional bouts, Fairtex is a formidable competitor. The 29-year-old has faced some of the toughest fighters globally, and he enters this matchup with considerable confidence. However, Guluzada remains unfazed, asserting his belief in his own capabilities as a kickboxer. "I am a good fighter, and I think he’s just a normal Thai fighter. He has good kicks…just his kicks. Also, I am a kickboxing fighter, while Ferrari is a Muay Thai fighter," he stated.
As the fight approaches, Guluzada has outlined the key factors he believes will lead him to victory. He emphasizes his superior fight IQ and speed, claiming, "I think I’ll have the advantage with my fight IQ and speed. Also, kickboxing is my style. I’m ready." His preparation and strategic mindset reflect a fighter who is eager to reclaim his status in the bantamweight division.
In a playful jab at his opponent, Guluzada humorously suggested that after their bout, Fairtex might need to reconsider his nickname. He said, "Good luck to you, Ferrari. See you soon. Hope you are ready for a kickboxing fight with me. Maybe after this fight you can change your nickname to Toyota or Lamborghini." This light-hearted banter adds an intriguing layer to their upcoming clash, showcasing Guluzada's confidence as he gears up for what promises to be an exciting showdown at The Inner Circle 29.
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