Timofey Nastyukhin: The Russian Knockout Machine on a Mission to Grab the ONE Lightweight Title
At 28, the Russian powerhouse Timofey Nastyukhin has his eye fixed on the ONE Lightweight world title. After a rocky recovery from a broken leg, he bounced back by beating former title contender Koji Ando in August 2017 and Amir Khan in February this year. Now the world’s attention turns to his impending clash with Saygid “Dagi” Guseyn Arslanaliev on 22 September at ONE: Conquest of Heroes in Jakarta.
Training Like a World‑Champ‑Chaser
He’s not taking victory for granted. “Every win matters,” he says, “I treat every opponent as if they’re a world champion.” He was especially strategic against Khan: “The plan was to press hard, force Khan to play my rules, and the strategy paid off.” This tactic mirrored the relentless approach that’s seen him rise close to the title picture.
Life on the Inside: Fatherhood Meets Fighter Life
- Shortly after his battle with Khan, he welcomed a baby girl.
- Training routines shifted: “Once my wife and kid arrived, suddenly there was no downtime. I had to juggle twice‑daily training, impeccable timing, and parental duties.”
- He missed playing after his night training in Thailand. “It was hard at first trying to balance being a disciplined athlete with a full‑time dad.”
- But the big smile of his little girl was the instant pep talk he needed. “Her grin becomes the ultimate motivation; it reminds me why I fight.”
Sharpening the Skill Set Story Book
While his knockout power is undeniable, Nastyukhin is tying up loose ends. “I keep polishing my striking, but I’ve also added wrestling classes,” he shares. “I’m learning to attack and defend on the ground, control the top, grapple, and stay in close range.” The result? He’s getting far more comfortable underneath.
Facing Saygid: A Wrestler‑vs‑Striker Showdown
He’s ready for a classic watch‑out‑of‑your‑backer moment. He’s spotted potential cracks in Dagi’s game but keeps the full game plan under wraps. “Saygid is a top prospect—strong, skilled in striking and wrestling—yet I’ve found ways to expose his vulnerability. I’ll not blur all the details until the moment handshakes happen.”
Motivation Behind the Mission
“Don’t let the cart ride before the horse,” Timofey cautions. His immediate focus is the fight on 22 September. Yet every ONE trainer knows his deeper ambition: the belt. “I’ve been in ONE for a long time. I’ve faced the best and earned my stripes—it’s time for my shot.”
What To Watch Out For
Expect a decisive finish powered by his striking, nuanced wrestling, and a strategy that’s been meticulously crafted for the night. The fans will see a fighter who combines raw power, tactical planning, and a fair share of humor—and deep emotion—into a single unstoppable package.
