Aslamjon Ortikov accepts his first loss but leaves Bangkok with his self-belief intact

Aslamjon Ortikov suffered the first loss of his professional career when Asadula “The Dagestan Ninja” Imangazaliev was awarded the vacant ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title by split decision in their five-round main event at The Inner Circle 20 at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on Friday, June 26. Two of three judges sided with Imangazaliev. Ortikov’s record moves to 24-1.

The Uzbek’s argument was visible to anyone watching. His face showed no damage after fifteen minutes of exchanges with one of the sport’s most dangerous strikers. Imangazaliev bled from his nose in the third round after an Ortikov punch. The scorecards still went against him.

“As you saw, guys, I did my best. It even looked like I won. You can see it from my face,” he said.

“But the decision wasn’t in my hands or yours. So, I have to accept it. What can I do? I did my best and showed everyone a great fight.”

Aslamjon Ortikov promises to return with his best

Aslamjon Ortikov did not leave Bangkok broken. The loss sits with him, but the way he processed it in the immediate aftermath said everything about what kind of fighter he is.

He declined to excuse the result and declined to manufacture doubt about his performance. He knows what he brought to those five rounds.

“It didn’t affect me at all. I know what I did, and I know how I fought. I didn’t give up at all. It was a very good fight, and I fought until the end. Most importantly, nothing happened to me. My body wasn’t injured. So this loss doesn’t affect me at all,” he said.

His immediate plan involves burgers, pizza, and time with family before the grind resumes. What comes after that is only a matter of when, not whether.

“You already saw the best version of me, and next time, you will definitely see it again,” he said.

“Anytime, anywhere.”