Paul Elliott predicts early knockout of unbeaten Shamil Erdogan at ONE Fight Night 48

The Englishman, who arrives on back-to-back knockouts, says the pressure is on the 13-0 Erdogan in a heavyweight main event he believes could earn the winner a title fight.

By Combat Sports UK Staff · Published Tue 29 Sept, 21:09 UK · AI-assisted reporting

https://twitter.com/ONEChampionship/status/2104571832435425608

Paul Elliott expects to knock out the unbeaten Shamil Erdogan inside two rounds when they meet in the heavyweight main event of ONE Fight Night 48 at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok this week, the Englishman told onefc.com.

Elliott goes in as the underdog, which he said he was aware of. He also said the winner could be in line for a title fight. Erdogan has a 13-0 professional record, and his five fights in ONE have lasted an average of two minutes and 34 seconds.

Elliott acknowledged Erdogan was the strongest opponent of his career but stood by his prediction. He said: “Still, I think, it’s a tough one because he’s definitely the best I’ve fought. But I think it’s going to be a round one or two [knockout]. I’ll finish him.” Elliott is chasing a third straight win after a difficult start in ONE. He stopped Ryugo Takeuchi and then knocked out Regan Upshaw in six seconds, one of the fastest finishes in the promotion's history, and every one of his wins has come by finish.

He said Erdogan's unbeaten record meant the burden of expectation belonged to the Turkish fighter rather than to him. He said: “He’s expected to win. He’s trying to keep his undefeated record. So, I’m going in there to cause an upset. That’s my main goal: cause that upset.” Elliott described Erdogan as highly skilled and well-rounded, with a habit of leaning on his wrestling to tire opponents before switching back to his striking. He said he was not sure Erdogan would take that approach against him, and was preparing for every area of the fight rather than drilling for one scenario.

He rated Erdogan as a good striker but said the Turk's wrestling was the stronger part of his game, and that he believed his own striking was better. He also pointed to his power and physical strength, saying: “I’m definitely more explosive, and I don’t think he’s fought anyone as explosive as me.”