Uzbekistan has been making serious noise in ONE Championship, and the latest fighter carrying that flag is ready to make his mark.

Khakimov Anisjon steps into the main event of ONE Friday Fights 156 on May 29 for his promotional debut against two-time Lumpinee Stadium World Champion Kongsuk Sitsarawatsuer, and the 19-year-old is not here to blend in. He is here to start something.

Built For The Big Stage

Khakimov Anisjon's journey to ONE Championship started with his grandfather, who brought him to a gym at 10 years old. From there, a family connection to a Muay Thai trainer shaped everything – and the young Uzbek took to the sport immediately.

He racked up countless amateur victories, claimed an Uzbekistan Championship, and in 2023, won first place at the Asian Championships – a performance that also earned him the best male fighter award at the tournament.

Anisjon has since built a 10-2 professional record with four knockouts and six decision victories, and now he arrives on the biggest weekly martial arts stage in the world ready and prepared for battle.

"I am very happy to be here, to fight in ONE Championship, because it's one of the best promotions in the world. I am very happy to fight in the main event as well. I feel very good," Anisjon said. "[I feel] no pressure because it's not my first time that I'm fighting. Of course, it's my first time fighting in a big promotion, but I'm used to fighting. I have very good feelings. I feel very calm."

Respect For Kongsuk — And A Plan To Beat Him

Kongsuk Sitsarawatsuer is no ordinary debut opponent.

The 25-year-old holds two Lumpinee Stadium World Titles, and he is coming off his best ONE Championship performance yet — a third-round knockout of Babak Solouki. With a newfound confidence, improved strength, and a penchant for brawling, he is more dangerous than ever.

Anisjon's team knows it, but they have done their homework. The tape has been studied, the patterns have been identified, and the game plan is in place. The Uzbek respects his opponent without fearing him, and that balance is exactly where a fighter wants to be heading into a debut.

"We have been watching Kongsuk's fight videos, and we are learning his fighting style," Anisjon said. "We are learning how he fights in the ring and how he shows himself, and then we are working on it. This is our game plan, and we want to show we also can do something."

Following In His Compatriot's Footsteps

The timing of Anisjon's ONE Championship debut could not be more fitting.

Uzbekistan is experiencing a golden moment in the sport. At ONE SAMURAI 1 this past April, Avazbek Kholmirzaev – a ONE Friday Fights contract winner – knocked out Yuya Wakamatsu to claim the ONE Flyweight MMA World Title. And undefeated compatriot Aslamjon Ortikov is set to challenge for the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title in late June.

Anisjon has been watching all of it, and he wants his own piece of history. A belt. A legacy. A moment that belongs to Uzbekistan.

"My biggest goal is to get the belt and bring it to Uzbekistan," Anisjon stated. "I want to get the ONE Championship belt and bring it to Uzbekistan – just like Avazbek."

Catch Anisjon in action at One Friday Fights 156 on beIN SPORTS and beIN SPORTS CONNECT (selected territories only). Click here to subscribe now!