The ONE Championship debut of former world title challenger Marat Grigorian in December 2020 at ONE: Huge Bang in opposition to Ivan Kondratev was by no means in need of drama. He overcame a giant scare within the opening spherical to attain a come-from-behind victory within the second.

This unimaginable comeback from Grigorian was relived by ONE Championship on Instagram because the promotion printed a couple of highlights from that match alongside the caption:

“Marat Grigorian’s ONE Championship debut against Ivan Kondratev was a barnburner 😳 How will he fare against longtime rival Sitthichai on January 28 at ONE 165? 🥊 @maratgrigorian”

The previous three-time GLORY kickboxing world champion was on the receiving finish of a knockdown from his Russian opponent within the first spherical. Grigorian was caught off guard by a robust right-hand counterpunch from Kondratev.

That punch dropped the Hemmers Gym representative and made him contact the canvas together with his knees. It made him dazed, and Kondratev pieced him up for the remainder of the spherical to go up within the judges’ scorecards.

Nevertheless, it was a wake-up name for Grigorian as a result of he grew to become extra composed and aggressive within the second stanza. The Armenian began to maneuver ahead and throw extra punches and kicks. Moreover, Kondratev seemed gassed out due to the onslaught that he launched within the earlier spherical.

With renewed vitality and a drained opponent in entrance of him, Grigorian focused Vityaz Battle Membership’s physique till he completely landed a robust punch that immediately folded him.

Kondratev did not beat the referee’s rely and was unable to proceed, which formally awarded Grigorian the victory.

Marat Grigorian to face long-time rival Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong for the sixth time at ONE 165

After that victory in opposition to Kondratev, Grigorian break up his subsequent 4 bouts into two wins and two losses in ONE Championship. He beat Andy Souwer and Tayfun Ozcan however was defeated by kickboxing royalty Superbon Singha Mawynn and Chingiz Allazov.

His subsequent match will see him battle a really acquainted opponent in Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong. They’re set to cross paths as soon as once more for the sixth time in a catchweight kickboxing match on January 28 at ONE 165, which works down contained in the Ariake Area in Tokyo, Japan.

Grigorian needs to enhance his head-to-head document in opposition to the Thai star, as he at the moment trails 1-4 of their rivalry. ONE 165 is accessible on pay-per-view at watch.onefc.com.