At just 22 years old, Asadula Imangazaliev is already turning heads at the highest levels of combat sports. “The Dagestan Ninja,” who owns a perfect 11-0 record with three straight knockouts, is on the verge of the biggest match of his young career, as he’ll challenge living legend Nong-O Hama for the vacant ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title in the main event of ONE Friday Fights 147. And he has a very famous fan in his corner.

Rogan Is Obsessed With ‘The Dagestani Ninja’

When it comes to combat sports, few voices carry more weight than Joe Rogan. The American podcasting king, stand-up comedian, and actor has spent decades as one of the fight game’s most passionate and knowledgeable advocates. So when he goes out of his way to hype a fighter, the world listens.

On a recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, Rogan turned his attention to Asadula “The Dagestan Ninja” Imangazaliev – and he pulled no punches. The 22-year-old has earned his praise the hard way, defeating all of his opponents and knocking out his last three, including former seven-time Muay Thai World Champion Panpayak Jitmuangnon and three-time Rajadamnern Stadium World Champion Kongthoranee Sor Sommai.

"There's this cat coming out of Dagestan right now who's like 22 years old, and he is f***ing everybody up," Rogan said. "A Dagestani Muay Thai fighter who's one of the most terrifying strikers alive right now. A lot of people think he's the best striker alive."

Imangazaliev Knows He's Just Getting Warmed Up

The praise from Joe Rogan and the growing buzz around his name have not gone unnoticed by Asadula Imangazaliev, but the undefeated Russian is quick to remind anyone who’s listening that this is still just the opening chapter of what he believes will be a long career.

“The Dagestan Ninja” has built his reputation through an impeccable work ethic and a quiet, steely belief in his own abilities. Imangazaliev welcomes the recognition, especially from Rogan, but he is far from satisfied with where he stands. A World Title fight against a legend of Nong-O Hama’s caliber is the perfect stage to show just how much more he has to offer.

"I believe I haven't fully revealed my potential yet. I'm still a young fighter, and I'm happy that people are starting to notice my hard work. But I believe this is only the beginning," Imangazaliev said. "From the very beginning, I believed in my abilities because I work very hard. I create all the reasons to win, and the result, of course, is from the Almighty."

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