When Dmitry Menshikov entered ONE Championship last June, he was full of steam and was riding an 11-fight winning streak that included six knockouts.
His debut defeat to ONE Lightweight Muay Thai World Champion Regian Eersel undoubtedly dampened his momentum. But three knockout wins later, it would seem that loss was merely a speedbump for the Russian star.
Menshikov dispatched Thai striking superstar Sinsamut Klinmee in the third round of their clash at ONE Fight Night 22 this past Saturday, 4th May, and he showed ultimate cool in the face of a foe who had the whole crowd inside Bangkok, Thailand’s Lumpinee Boxing Stadium behind him.
“You know what, I was doing my job. I didn’t think of this much. Of course, I knew that he’s a really famous Thai fighter,” he said in his post-fight interview.
“I knew that people were going to support him, but I didn’t care. My job is simple – to fight. And I was doing my job.”
Dmitry Menshikov Eyes Lightweight Dominance
The 26-year-old striker signed with ONE to become a lightweight Muay Thai World Champion, and he’s building a strong case for a rematch with Eersel thanks to his growing hit list.
A second meeting with “The Immortal” is very much front and centre of Menshikov’s mind. But his striking success has spurred him to think bigger, and he’s now planning to go for gold in a second sport, too.
“About the fight with him, as I mentioned before, multiple times, I want to be the champion. And I’m going to do everything to be the champion,” he said.
“And if it’s a rematch with him [Eersel], sure. I want to be the champion. And, also, I want to take the belt. Not just in Muay Thai but kickboxing, too. It’s my goal. I have plans for two belts.”
