The matchup was originally scheduled for ONE Fight Night 38 last weekend before Akaev pulled out due to injury. Now fully healed, the Dagestani powerhouse will get his chance against an undefeated Brazilian who has defeated three consecutive opponents since earning his main contract.
Gabriel emerged from ONE Friday Fights with a polished skill set that combines sharp striking with suffocating grappling. The 25-year-old defeated previously undefeated Gadzhimurad Amirzhanov with an arm triangle in October 2024, pushing his career record to 9-1 and announcing his arrival among the lightweight elite.
His last appearance resulted in a no contest with Zhang Lipeng at ONE Fight Night 31 in May. Gabriel returns looking for redemption and a performance that pushes him deeper into a stacked division where one signature victory changes everything.
Magomed Akaev brings Dagestani finishing instincts
Magomed Akaev comes in with forged credentials after a flawless 10-0 run in his home country. Seven stoppages showed the ruthless efficiency that defines fighters from his region. His promotional debut against Ibragim Dauev at ONE Fight Night 32 ended in a split-decision loss.
That small setback only fueled his competitiveness. Akaev sees this match as his chance to make a statement that pushes him into the title conversation. The delay gave him extra time to prepare, and he arrives in Bangkok intent on making Gabriel’s unbeaten promotional run a memory.
The Brazilian’s well-rounded game meets Dagestani’s pressure in a lightweight matchup that could change the division standings. Gabriel wants to prove that his ONE Friday Fights success translates into elite competition. Akaev must show that his Russian dominance will continue on the world stage.
One fighter leaves Bangkok with momentum toward gold. The other leaves wonder what went wrong.
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