Former WBC Muay Thai World Champion may have had a topsy-turvy 2023, but now, he바카라s ready to get back to business and kick off his 2024 campaign on a high note at , which broadcasts live in U.S. primetime on Friday, January 12.
The 26-year-old rising star will square off against undefeated Russian striker in a lightweight Muay Thai clash at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, and he believes it could be a night that changes his life.
Nolan will be the first English Muay Thai fighter to appear on a live Sky Sports broadcast when ONE Championship debuts on its colossal platform.
And after a year of ups and downs, he바카라s thrilled to get that chance and set the tone for his compatriots in the United Kingdom.
The 26-year-old said:
바카라It바카라s a massive opportunity, so I바카라m very happy. I바카라m the first Brit to be on a Sky Sports card, so it바카라s huge to showcase my skills to everyone and a new audience. I바카라m excited about that. It could be life-changing.
바카라There바카라s no pressure, just excitement. I바카라m excited to make the most of the massive opportunity, and I바카라m coming to make a statement.바카라
Nolan hasn바카라t competed since his impressive victory over in November 2022, as a series of injuries and illnesses kept him on the sidelines.
The Brit was last scheduled to face in a rematch at in November 2023, but following a tough training camp in Thailand, an allergic reaction on event week forced him to withdraw from the contest.
Once Nolan recovered, he continued to train and stay sharp just in case a bout offer was presented to him, and he바카라s glad ONE trusted him with the chance to compete on the inaugural live card with Europe바카라s leading sports broadcaster.
He said:
바카라After the fight fell through with Sinsamut, I just needed to get in the ring as soon as possible. Cancel Christmas, whatever you have to do, I just have to be back in there and rebuild my momentum.
바카라After a year of injuries, I feel like ONE is really behind me. They바카라ve made sure I바카라ve had a fight every step of the way, and that바카라s been really important to me. They바카라ve been pushing me, too. It바카라s great to be a part of this [Sky Sports debut].
바카라This fight is about showing I바카라m back. I바카라m here to make up for lost time.바카라
Liam Nolan Predicts Bonus-Winning Performance
It hasn바카라t been plain sailing for Liam Nolan in his promotional tenure, and he바카라s desperate to get back on track in the world바카라s largest martial arts organization.
The 바카라Lethal바카라 Muay Thai practitioner will return at ONE Fight Night 18 on Prime Video, but even this card had a surprise in store. His originally scheduled opponent, Theo Avon, had to withdraw at late notice.
Fortunately, Russia바카라s Ali Aliev stepped up to the plate, so Nolan still has a dance partner for Friday night.
Despite the change, the Londoner is composed and ready to go, preferring to concentrate on his own game rather than coming up with a new strategy for a fresh rival.
Nolan said:
바카라It바카라s been a whirlwind couple of days, so I haven바카라t been able to see much of him. But I바카라m expecting him to be very good as he represents Team Mehdi Zatout. The Russian fighters there are always strong. I바카라m anticipating a good fight, but I바카라m looking to take him out.
바카라Not much has changed in my approach. Aliev is slightly taller than Avon, but I바카라m sticking to what I바카라ve worked on and not really focusing on what my opponent is going to do. Focusing on me is what has gotten me over so many bumps in the road over the last year, and I바카라m going to do the same again.바카라
With three wins in his last four promotional outings, Nolan is in a strong position in the lightweight Muay Thai division.
Raring to go following his time away from the ring, the Knowlesy Academy product wants to push himself toward ONE Lightweight Muay Thai World Title contention, and an emphatic victory over Aliev will certainly move him closer toward that goal.
In fact, ONE Chairman and CEO may even give him a US$50,000 performance bonus if he beats the Russian in impressive fashion.
Nolan added:
바카라I said it would be a bonus-winning fight against Avon, and it will be the same against Aliev. It makes no difference. I바카라m hitting so hard right now. The way I바카라ve been training, I바카라m going to put on a great show.바카라
