Martin Nguyen recently became a two division champion in ONE Championshio to become the first fighter to hold such a distinction in the organisation.
Nguyen moved up to lightweight to beat the champ Eduard Folayang to add to his Featherweight title. He won the featherweight title in the fight preceding the Folayang fight beating the only man to have beat him Marat Gafurov.
Nguyen is currently enjoying a six fight win streak and has a professional record of 10-1. He fights out of KMA Top Team in Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia.
MMAUK held a Q+A interview with the champ.
MMAUK: You just defeated Eduard Folayang on Friday to win the ONE Championship lightweight title to add to your featherweight belt.
How did it feel to become One Championship‘s first 2 division champion?
MN: Words honestly can’t describe the feelings of winning a world title let alone two. All the hard work and dedication to this sport is finally paying off.
MMAUK: Had you planned the devastating counterpunch to Folayang’s spin kicks?
MN: We knew the spinning attacks would be happening. Throughout my whole fight camp we specifically trained for it in order for myself to adjust but in terms of finishing Eduard the way I did, it was not a part of the plan.
MMAUK: The fight previous to this one was when you won the featherweight title. You defeated Marat Gafurov to avenge your only defeat. Did this feel more special due to it being your first title and also being able to avenge a loss?
MN: Beating Marat will always be the highlight of my career as I got to avenge my only upset on my record. Unfortunately he didn’t show good sportmanship afterwards but it is what it is.
MMAUK: Are you planning on defending both belts or are you likely to give one up?
MN: At the moment I would love to just reap the moment of owning two titles. I’m no Conor McGregor so yes I will be defending the titles.
MMAUK: How did you become involved in mma?
MN: I got involved in martial art because I was overweight, shy and wasn’t as disciplined as I should be. Martial arts not only helped me become a 2 division world champion but has also helped me live life as a better person and role model.
MMAUK: What do you hope to achieve within the sport? You moving up another weight?
MN: I hope to inspire the world through martial arts and performing in the ONE Championship cage. If somebody can take a bit of my inspiration and use it for there own purpose through life then i’m happy and done my job. My next fight will shock the world (once again)
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