Russian MMA standout Magomed Akaev from Dagestan believes he has defeated his opponent Lucas Gabriel at ONE Fight Night 40.

Their three-round lightweight MMA match will be held this Friday (February 13) at the Lumpinee Stadium, the “Mecca of Muay Thai” in Bangkok, Thailand.

Gabriel comes into this matchup with a 10-1 career record, which is built on his stellar ground game.

The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt won three straight fights at the House of Martial Arts, displaying relentless pressure and elite grappling.

However, Akayev Think the Brazilian’s approach is too predictable and therefore easy to counterattack. The Black Dragon representative also holds a 10-1 professional record, which is built on some good old Dagestani wrestling pressure.

While Akayev is confident he can overpower Gabriel’s jiu-jitsu if the fight goes to the mat, He also wants to showcase his underrated hitting next Friday.

“Lucas has great physicality and great grappling ability, but his style is pretty predictable. I already know how to beat him and you’ll see it in the fight,” he told ONE Championship.

Akayev, meanwhile, is excited to finally share the ring with Gabriel after injuries delayed their initial pairing.

Magomed Akaev Excited for Dagestan Wrestling vs. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) Showdown with Lucas Gabriel

When two fighting masters collide at ONE Fight Night 40, something has to pay.

Magomed Akaev employs the fearsome Dagestani wrestling pressure that has taken over mixed martial arts (MMA) in recent years.

That is to say, He’s not afraid to go down with Lucas Gabrielhe overwhelmed his opponents with his elite jiu-jitsu.

“I think both Lucas and I have gained enough experience before coming to ONE. Now we will see who is better prepared – the Brazilian school versus the Dagestan school,” he told ONE Champions in a pre-fight interview.

For those with an active subscription in North America, don’t miss ONE Fight Night 40 live in prime time in the United States via Prime Video.