ONE Fight Night 18: Shamil Gasanov outpoints Oh Ho Taek in Bangkok
- Gasanov earns decision win over Oh Ho Taek to banish memories of his only pro loss to Garry Tonon
- Taek spends most of the fight defending takedowns and submission attempts, with the result never in doubt
Shamil Gasanov admitted he had contemplated retirement last July after the first defeat of his career, but the Russian bantamweight’s future looks much brighter now after a hard-fought decision win over Oh Ho Taek at ONE Fight Night 18.
Having suffered the only blemish on his professional record when he was submitted by Garry Tonon at ONE Fight Night 12, he looked back to his best at Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium. However, he had to overcome a durable opponent who simply refused to quit.
After a slow start in the opening round Gasanov shot for his first takedown of the fight. Taek was able to reverse the position and both men found themselves back on their feet following a brief scramble.
Gasanov landed some knees from the clinch before dragging Taek down again but once more the Korean worked his way back up. The Russian missed with a right hand and immediately shot for a takedown.
He briefly had Taek’s back but the Korean escaped and the round finished with both men standing. The action had been intense but both men looked fresh at the start of the second stanza.
Taek attacked with kicks before Gafurov secured another takedown. He took Taek’s back and threatened with a rear naked choke but the Korean kept peeling his hands away before exploding out and reversing the position.