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.”