Martin Nguyen’s upcoming One Championship assignment just took a major turn.
Just hours removed from fight time, it was revealed that featherweight champion Jadamba Narantungalag has been forced to withdraw from the main event due to travel restrictions and that Nguyen is now set to face undefeated Russian Marat Gafurov for the division’s interim title. The promotion announced the news via social media today.
Nguyen (4-0) was originally scheduled to meet Pakistani fighter Bashir Ahmad on the Facebook prelim portion of tonight’s card. The big opportunity follows the undefeated Sydney based fighter’s promotional debut in November, 2014 where he submitted Rocky Batolbatol.
Undefeated after 11 professional appearances, Gafurov will be Nguyen’s toughest test to date. The 30 year-old is currently 2-0 in the promotion with first round submission victories over New Zealand’s Ev Ting and Aussie standout Rob Lisita.
One Championship: Odyssey of Champions takes place at Jakarta’s Istora Senayan and will be broadcast live via the promotion’s website, oneppv.com
