Alibeg Rasulov’s Keys To Victory In Title Fight With Christian Lee At ONE 173

Dagestani Wrestling Base Provides Foundation For Title Challenge

The 32-year-old’s grappling credentials stem from training in Dagestan, Russia’s legendary wrestling hotbed, which has produced some of mixed martial arts’ most dominant grapplers. The Hyperion Fighters representative excels at closing distance with explosive single-leg attacks, demonstrating the technical precision and physical power required to control elite-level opponents.

His takedown versatility extends beyond traditional shots, as Rasulov consistently capitalizes on kicks that he catches to initiate scrambles and secure dominant positions. During their initial meeting last year, Lee struggled to impose his typically aggressive wrestling against Rasulov’s formidable defensive grappling.

Once fights reach the canvas, the Turkish contender becomes exceptionally dangerous with heavy ground strikes from multiple positions. The 71 percent finishing rate across his unblemished career record demonstrates his ability to capitalize on positional advantages.

Rasulov’s Clinch Warfare Drains Opponents’ Energy and Resolve

The ONE Championship Circle’s unique structure plays directly into Rasulov’s strengths, particularly his ability to pin opponents against the curved wall and methodically break them down through sustained pressure. His body lock technique allows him to control opponents’ torsos while executing trips and sweeps that transition fights to the ground.

Rasulov showcased this grinding approach during his victory over former ONE Lightweight MMA World Champion Ok Rae Yoon at ONE Fight Night 23 in July 2024. The Turk consistently trapped the technical Korean striker in extended clinch sequences, sapping his energy while landing damaging strikes at close range.

The single collar-tie represents another dangerous weapon in Rasulov’s arsenal, creating brief separation that allows explosive elbows and uppercuts before reestablishing control. These sudden offensive bursts prevent opponents from settling into defensive patterns while accumulating significant damage throughout extended exchanges.

Rasulov’s Underrated Striking Keeps Opponents Guessing

Despite his wrestling pedigree, dismissing Rasulov’s stand-up capabilities would prove costly for any opponent. He has developed a sharp technical striking repertoire that complements his grappling-heavy approach, creating genuine threats across all ranges of combat.

His counter left hook is delivered with excellent timing, punishing opponents who overextend on their entries. Rasulov builds his striking foundation on the intelligent use of his jab, establishing range and disrupting an opponent’s offensive rhythm before unleashing power shots.

The threat of takedowns forces adversaries to respect his grappling, creating openings for body kicks and high kicks that add layers of complexity to his offensive arsenal. During his first encounter with the lightweight king, Rasulov’s dirty boxing troubled Lee significantly, landing short punches and elbows during clinch exchanges.

These tactical advantages position Rasulov as a legitimate threat to capture lightweight gold when he faces Lee in their highly anticipated rematch. ONE 173 takes place on Sunday, November 16, at Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.