Elbek Alyshov arrived at The Inner Circle 24 as an undefeated challenger, but he left Bangkok as a history-making world champion. In one of the biggest upsets of the year in ONE Championship, the 27-year-old dismantled reigning bantamweight MMA king Enkh-Orgil “The Tormentor” Baatarkhuu with a devastating second-round technical knockout at the iconic Lumpinee Stadium.
Far from being overwhelmed by the magnitude of his first world title opportunity, Alyshov displayed remarkable composure from the opening bell. His blend of wrestling, judo, striking accuracy, and tactical discipline proved too much for the previously dominant champion, signaling the arrival of a new force in ONE Championship’s bantamweight division.
The victory not only preserved Alyshov’s unbeaten professional record but also marked a historic milestone for Azerbaijani mixed martial arts, making him the country’s first-ever ONE Championship MMA world champion.
A Championship Fight That Redefined the Bantamweight Division
The main event carried enormous significance for both competitors.
Baatarkhuu entered the contest as an established champion known for his aggression, explosive striking, and ability to finish fights in spectacular fashion. Meanwhile, Alyshov was still viewed by many fans as an emerging contender despite maintaining an undefeated record.
By the end of the night, those perceptions had completely changed.
Rather than simply defeating the champion, Alyshov controlled large portions of the contest and showcased a complete skill set capable of challenging anyone in the division.
Round One: Wrestling and Judo Establish Early Control
From the opening exchange, Alyshov made his intentions clear.
Instead of engaging in a prolonged striking battle, he immediately pressured the champion with a well-timed double-leg takedown. Once the fight reached the canvas, his judo background became evident as he maintained positional control while forcing Baatarkhuu to work defensively.
The champion eventually escaped and returned to his feet, but Alyshov remained dangerous at every range.
As Baatarkhuu tried to regain momentum, the challenger landed a sharp short elbow that demonstrated his confidence in close-quarter exchanges.
Although the Mongolian champion answered with clinch offense and a spinning kick late in the round, Alyshov’s control and composure gave him an important early advantage.
Round Two: A Championship Changes Hands
The second round removed any uncertainty about who was dictating the fight.
Alyshov again initiated grappling exchanges, forcing Baatarkhuu to defend another takedown attempt. Even when the champion looked for a kimura submission, the Azerbaijani calmly escaped the danger and reset without losing confidence.
Moments later, the fight reached its decisive turning point.
Baatarkhuu connected with a high kick, but Alyshov absorbed the strike without hesitation before launching a devastating counterattack.
Two perfectly timed right uppercuts landed flush, sending the defending champion crashing to the canvas. Alyshov immediately followed with ground strikes, prompting the referee to stop the contest.
The finish was clinical, decisive, and worthy of a championship performance.
Official Fight Result
| Category | Result |
|---|---|
| Event | The Inner Circle 24 |
| Main Event | Elbek Alyshov vs. Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu |
| Division | Bantamweight MMA |
| Winner | Elbek Alyshov |
| Method | TKO |
| Round | 2 |
| Time | 2:52 |
| Title | ONE Bantamweight MMA World Championship |
An Undefeated Record Becomes Even More Impressive
Championship victories become even more meaningful when viewed alongside long-term consistency.
With the win, Alyshov improved his professional record to an outstanding 11-0, while recording his 10th career finish. Those numbers highlight not only his ability to win but also his tendency to end fights before the judges are required.
His ONE Championship record also improved to a perfect 3-0, proving that he has adapted quickly to one of the world’s most competitive MMA promotions.
As recognition of his performance, Alyshov also earned a US$50,000 performance bonus from ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong.
A Historic Night for Azerbaijan
Beyond winning a world title, Alyshov achieved something no Azerbaijani fighter had previously accomplished inside ONE Championship.
He became the promotion’s first Azerbaijani MMA world champion, creating a landmark moment for his country’s rapidly developing combat sports scene.
Championship victories often inspire future generations, and Alyshov’s success could encourage more young athletes in Azerbaijan to pursue careers in mixed martial arts.
The achievement also strengthens Azerbaijan’s growing reputation as a nation capable of producing elite combat sports talent across multiple disciplines.
The Influence of Team Chingiz Allazov
Alyshov’s success also reflects the quality of the environment surrounding him.
Training under former ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion Chingiz Allazov, he has benefited from world-class coaching, elite training partners, and a culture centered on continuous improvement.
That influence was visible throughout the championship fight. Alyshov displayed patience when necessary, aggression at the right moments, and the tactical awareness expected from a fighter prepared at the highest level.
Breaking Down Alyshov’s Championship Performance
- Excellent wrestling entries that disrupted the champion’s rhythm.
- Strong judo-based positional control on the ground.
- Confidence striking both inside and at distance.
- Outstanding resilience after absorbing a high kick.
- Fight-ending power demonstrated by precise uppercuts.
- Composure throughout every phase of the contest.
Rather than relying on one specialty, Alyshov demonstrated a complete mixed martial arts skill set.
What Went Wrong for Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu?
Even elite champions occasionally encounter opponents capable of neutralizing their strengths.
Baatarkhuu struggled to establish sustained offensive momentum because Alyshov constantly forced him to react instead of attack.
The champion showed flashes of dangerous striking, including effective elbows and a clean high kick, but he was unable to consistently control distance or dictate the pace.
Against an opponent as technically complete as Alyshov, those small disadvantages gradually became decisive.
What This Means for the Bantamweight Division
A title change always reshapes an entire division.
With Alyshov now wearing championship gold, a fresh group of contenders will likely emerge hoping to challenge the undefeated king.
His well-rounded style creates fascinating future matchups against both elite wrestlers and dangerous strikers, adding renewed excitement to the bantamweight title picture.
Meanwhile, Baatarkhuu remains one of the division’s top competitors and could quickly work his way back into championship contention with strong performances.
Can Elbek Alyshov Build a Championship Legacy?
Winning a world title is one achievement. Successfully defending it against elite challengers is another.
At 27 years old, Alyshov appears to be entering the prime years of his career. His undefeated record, finishing ability, and championship mindset suggest he has the potential to become one of ONE Championship’s most dominant titleholders.
The biggest challenge now will be maintaining the same hunger that carried him to the top.
Conclusion
Elbek Alyshov’s victory over Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu at The Inner Circle 24 will be remembered as one of the defining moments of ONE Championship’s 2026 season. By dethroning an established champion with a commanding second-round TKO, he announced himself as one of the promotion’s premier mixed martial artists.
More importantly, the victory created history for Azerbaijan, elevated the bantamweight division, and introduced fans around the world to a champion who appears ready to usher in a new era. If his performance in Bangkok is any indication, Elbek Alyshov’s reign may only be getting started.
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Key Takeaways
- Elbek Alyshov defeated Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu via second-round TKO to win the ONE Bantamweight MMA World Championship.
- The victory improved Alyshov’s unbeaten professional record to 11-0 with 10 finishes.
- He became the first Azerbaijani athlete to win a ONE Championship MMA world title.
- The result ushers in a new era in ONE Championship’s bantamweight division.
FAQs
Who won the main event of The Inner Circle 24?
Elbek Alyshov defeated Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu by TKO in the second round.
How did Elbek Alyshov finish the fight?
He landed two powerful right uppercuts before securing the stoppage with follow-up ground strikes.
What title did Alyshov win?
He captured the ONE Bantamweight MMA World Championship.
What is Elbek Alyshov’s professional MMA record?
Following the victory, his record improved to 11-0 with 10 finishes.
Why is this victory historic?
Alyshov became the first Azerbaijani fighter to win a ONE Championship MMA world title.
Did Alyshov receive a performance bonus?
Yes, he earned a US$50,000 performance bonus for his impressive championship-winning performance.
Who trains Elbek Alyshov?
He represents Team Chingiz Allazov and trains under former ONE Kickboxing World Champion Chingiz Allazov.
What could be next for Alyshov?
As the new champion, he is expected to defend his title against the top contenders in ONE Championship’s bantamweight division.
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