Uzbekistan has rapidly become a significant force in the combat sports arena, nurturing exceptional martial artists across various disciplines, from striking to wrestling and mixed martial arts. A fresh wave of Uzbek talent is now making a substantial impact within the world's most prominent martial arts organization, capturing global attention with their rapid ascent.
What makes the current surge of Uzbek fighters particularly noteworthy is their swift progression through the competitive tiers. Many of these athletes honed their skills and gained recognition through the weekly ONE Friday Fights series, a platform designed to cultivate emerging talent. Their impressive performances in this series frequently earned them lucrative, six-figure contracts to join the main roster in remarkably short periods. Some have already reached the pinnacle of their respective categories, securing championship titles, while others are on the verge of claiming World Championship gold.
The narrative of Uzbek fighters in ONE Championship is characterized by unwavering determination, top-tier training methodologies, and an uncompromising commitment to achieving excellence. These athletes proudly represent their homeland, firmly establishing Uzbekistan as a formidable presence in the martial arts world, a force that cannot be underestimated by their adversaries.
Three individuals, in particular, exemplify this explosive rise and have cemented their status as the vanguards of Uzbekistan's martial arts transformation: Avazbek Kholmirzaev, Aslamjon Ortikov, and Sanzhar Zakirov.
Avazbek Kholmirzaev made history by becoming Uzbekistan's first-ever ONE World Champion in April, dethroning Yuya Wakamatsu at ONE SAMURAI 1. His second-round knockout secured the ONE Flyweight MMA World Title and signaled his country's arrival as a major player in mixed martial arts. Kholmirzaev received a hero's welcome upon his return to Uzbekistan, highlighting the profound significance of his achievement for a nation with a rich combat sports heritage. His journey to the top was incredibly swift; training with Team Raqobat, he dominated the ONE Friday Fights series with seven wins in eight outings, earning a six-figure main roster contract in 2025. In less than a year, Kholmirzaev transitioned from a burgeoning star to an undisputed divisional champion, boasting an impressive 16-2 overall record and a 10-1 record with nine finishes in ONE, currently on a seven-fight winning streak as he prepares for his first title defense.
While Kholmirzaev has already achieved championship status, Aslamjon Ortikov is poised to make his own history. This undefeated 23-year-old Muay Thai striker is set to challenge for the vacant ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Championship at The Inner Circle 20 on June 26, facing fellow undefeated fighter Asadula Imangazaliev. Ortikov's credentials are indisputable, with a perfect professional record of 24-0 and 13 finishes, demonstrating his preference for decisive victories. In ONE, he maintains a flawless 10-0 record with five stoppage wins. He earned his main roster contract through spectacular performances at ONE Friday Fights and has since defeated some of the sport's biggest Muay Thai stars, earning immense respect. Should Ortikov triumph at The Inner Circle 20, he will become Uzbekistan's first ONE Muay Thai World Champion, further solidifying his nation's versatile dominance across multiple disciplines in ONE. Training at TC Muaythai and Sport Club Shakhriyor, he possesses the necessary skills, record, and momentum to bring the title home.
Sanzhar Zakirov represents the next generation of Uzbek talent, following in the footsteps of Kholmirzaev and Ortikov. The 23-year-old remains undefeated with a perfect 16-0 mixed martial arts record and an unblemished 7-0 mark in ONE. Zakirov, who trains at Khaturaev Team, also emerged from the ONE Friday Fights program, earning his US$100,000 contract after consistently impressive performances. His perfect record within the promotion suggests a bright future filled with continued success for this young Uzbek phenom. At just 23, Zakirov has already established himself among the elite in his division. As he continues his ascent through the ranks, the "Tornado" possesses all the attributes to emulate Kholmirzaev's success and eventually contend for a championship belt. Currently, he is focused on extending his winning streak against Russia's Ruslan Satiev at ONE Fight Night 45 on Prime Video on July 17.
Uzbekistan’s burgeoning presence in ONE Championship is a testament to the nation's rich combat sports heritage and the dedication of its new generation of fighters. These athletes, including Avazbek Kholmirzaev, Aslamjon Ortikov, and Sanzhar Zakirov, are not only achieving personal milestones but also elevating their country's standing on the global martial arts stage, promising an exciting future for Uzbek martial arts.
