Erdogan brings a perfect 12-0 record and four-fight winning streak to the heavyweight division. His most recent performance saw him stop Gilberto Galvao in 41 seconds via technical knockout at ONE Fight Night 29 in March, continuing his impressive finishing rate since joining ONE Championship.
The Dagestan native has built his reputation through victories over quality opposition. He defeated Fan Rong in his promotional debut at ONE Friday Fights 22 in June 2023, then scored back-to-back stoppage wins over Myanmar legend Aung La N Sang to validate his credentials against elite competition.
His move to heavyweight opens new opportunities while allowing him to compete at a more natural weight. Erdogan has added muscle through strength training while maintaining his technical skills during a training camp split between Thailand locations.
“I gained some muscles with pumping iron. Besides it, my training goes as usual. I am spending my camp in Thailand – it is my second home now,” Erdogan said.
Takeuchi presents a dangerous test for Erdogan’s divisional debut. The 22-year-old Japanese heavyweight carries a perfect 5-0 record with a 100 percent finishing rate, most recently stopping Kang Ji Won in the first round at ONE Fight Night 34 in August.
The home crowd advantage in Tokyo adds pressure to Takeuchi’s aggressive striking style. But Erdogan believes that forward-moving aggression creates the exact opportunities he prefers to exploit.
“He is too aggressive, rushing to opponent straight forward. This is what I want to use versus him. I am confident in my striking and wrestling. I have more experience and my fighting IQ is higher,” Erdogan said.
The stylistic matchup features Erdogan’s experience and tactical approach against Takeuchi’s youth and knockout power. Both fighters have demonstrated finishing ability throughout their careers, suggesting the judges may not be needed.
Erdogan’s ambitions extend beyond a single heavyweight victory. He has openly stated his desire to replicate Anatoly Malykhin’s historic run, collecting titles across multiple weight divisions. That blueprint would require dominance at heavyweight while maintaining his middleweight credentials.
“I am ready to overtake and unify belts in middleweight, light heavyweight and heavyweight,” Erdogan said.
