Vitaly Bigdash Gets Ready for the Comeback He’s Been Waiting For
After almost a year since losing his title, former ONE Middleweight champion Vitaly Bigdash is gearing up for a rematch at ONE: GRIT AND GLORY on 12 May in Jakarta. He’ll face the fierce Brazilian Leandro Ataides—a C‑upvisir six‑time BJJ world champion—who thrills the crowd with his ground game.
“He’s No Deus Ex Machina”
Bigdash admits, “This guy is very good, no doubt about it.” He warns that Ataides will try to take the fight to the mat, but the Russian says, “I’m going to keep my head up and not let him do it.” He’s already tightening his game‑plan for every possible scenario.
Fighting Through a Staph Nightmare
- Originally slated to fight at ONE: KINGS OF COURAGE, the bout was pulled after the Russian picked up a staph infection.
- Bigdash recalls the camp as a “nightmare”: health issues, a fever, and a painful blister that bloomed into an abscess on his knee.
- He says, “The doctor had to open the wound and drain it—hell, it was brutal.”
- After pulling out just days before the flight, both fighters had to swallow a hard pill of disappointment.
Respect Across the Line
Bigdash posted a heartfelt apology: “I apologized to Leandro about the withdrawal. I know he’s a family man who needs to support his loved ones.” He adds that Ataides stayed cool—a true sportsman.
Preventing Future Zombielike Infections
Now he travels with his own anti‑bacterial kit, scrubs before and after every training session, and treats any cut immediately with antiseptic. “I might be a bit paranoid,” Bigdash admits—“but it’s what keeps me safe.”
Game Plan and Goals
When he goes back to full fitness, his focus is crystal: defeat Ataides and reopen the title picture. He baits a duo‑fight with Aung La N Sang, the two‑division champ who snatched his belt last year.
- He knows Ataides’s strengths and weaknesses.
- “I’ve got the plan, but I’m keeping it close to the chest.”
- Victory means positioning as the top contender.
Finishing the Mission
Vitaly vows, “First, eliminate Leandro. Then, I’ll lay out my blueprint for the next big step—reclaiming the belt.” The road is clear, the goal bold, and the hype is real.
