Timofey Nastyukhin, 28, of Russia successfully returned to the ONE Championship cage at “ONE: Quest for Gold” at the Thuwunna Indoor Stadium in Yangon, Myanmar on February 23, 2018. It was the Russian mixed martial artist’s fifth win in the promotion.
On December 5, 2014, Nastyukhin made his ONE Championship debut at “ONE: Warrior’s Way” at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines. He knocked out Eduard Folayang, 34, of the Philippines via flying knee and soccer kicks.
On June 20, 2015, Nastyukhin defeated Yusuke Kawanago, 35, of Japan at “ONE: Dynasty of Champions.” The Russian MMA fighter knocked out his Japanese opponent via soccer kicks.
The third time Nastyukhin won a ONE Championship bout was on May 27, 2016. He knocked out Rob Lisita, 34, of Australia at “ONE: Kingdom of Champions” via punch and soccer kick in six seconds, which was the promotion’s fastest knockout ever.
On August 5, 2017, Nastyukhin won a ONE Championship bout for the fourth time. He defeated his Japanese opponent Koji Ando via unanimous decision at “ONE: Kings and Conquerors”.
Nastyukhin went on hiatus for several months and made a comeback at “ONE: Quest for Gold.” He won via unanimous decision against Amir Khan, 23, of Singapore.
From the get-go, Nastyukhin exhibited stellar form, bombarding Khan with strong overhand rights while looking for the opening to deliver his lethal left hook. Leaning on his heavy hands, the Russian MMA fighter gallantly pushed forward as he threatened to end matters with a flying knee and stifled his Singaporean opponent with harrowing punches.
Beating Khan improved Nastyukhin’s professional MMA record to 12 wins and 3 losses. On the other hand, the Singaporean MMA fighter now has 9 wins and 3 losses.
It was the end of Khan’s winning streak. The last time he lost prior to “ONE: Quest for Gold” was to Shannon Wiratchai, 29, of Thailand at “ONE: Pride of Lions” on November 13, 2015.
After losing to Wiratchai, Khan won six bouts. The Singaporean MMA fighter defeated Jimmy Yabo, John Chang, Vaugn Donayre, Rajinder Singh Meena, Jaroslav Jartim and Adrian Pang.
CONAN Daily 