Martin Nguyen may not have gotten his hand raised at ONE 171: Qatar, but his determination and performance left a lasting impression
Whether through a rematch or another marquee fight, ‘The Situ-Asian’ will be back stronger, ready to prove why he is a former two-division world champion.
His journey is far from over, and fight fans will be watching closely to see what’s next for the Vietnamese-Australian star.
Despite the loss, Nguyen remains one of the top featherweights in ONE Championship. His resilience and championship mindset suggest he will not let this setback define him.
Many fans and analysts are eager to see how he bounces back and whether he will get a rematch against Gasanov or move on to another high-profile opponent.
Nguyen’s situation underscores the need for more transparent judging criteria in MMA. Fighters, coaches, and fans continue to push for clearer guidelines that prioritize striking effectiveness over mere control.
As the sport evolves, it is crucial that judging aligns with the essence of fighting—damage and effective offense.
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Table of Contents
Martin Nguyen’s Controversial Loss at ONE 171
A Battle of Styles: Striker vs. Wrestler
Martin Nguyen entered his bout against Shamil Gasanov at ONE 171: Qatar with the intent to showcase his striking skills and experience.1
The fight, which took place at the Lusail Sports Arena, was a classic clash of styles—Nguyen’s precise striking against Gasanov’s relentless grappling.
While Nguyen landed several effective strikes, Gasanov relied on his superior wrestling to control the pace and dictate the fight’s trajectory.
— Martin Nguyen (@MartinNguyenMMA) December 18, 2024
The Judges’ Decision: Unanimous but Controversial
Despite Nguyen’s efforts, the judges unanimously awarded the victory to Shamil Gasanov. The decision left Nguyen visibly frustrated, as he believed he had done enough to secure the win.
His disappointment was evident as he let out a sigh of disbelief upon hearing the verdict.
Many spectators and analysts echoed his sentiment, questioning whether the judges placed too much emphasis on Gasanov’s wrestling control rather than striking impact.
Martin Nguyen: Analyzing the Fight
Striking vs. Ground Control
Nguyen’s striking was a key factor in his argument for victory. He consistently landed clean shots and inflicted visible damage on Gasanov, who was left bleeding by the end of the fight.2
Conversely, Gasanov’s wrestling-heavy approach allowed him to maintain top control for significant portions of the fight.
However, Nguyen contended that his ability to strike while being pressed against the cage and his effectiveness in striking exchanges should have given him the edge.
This fight reignited discussions about MMA judging criteria. Should control time and takedowns outweigh striking damage? Many believe that damage should be the primary scoring factor, as it is a direct indication of a fighter’s effectiveness in a fight.
Fighter’s Reaction: Frustration and Determination
In a post-fight interview with Nick Atkin of The Bangkok Post, Nguyen expressed his belief that he had won the fight based on damage inflicted. He stated:
“In terms of damage, yeah. Shamil was bleeding. He caught me in that first round, which was, I felt I slipped more than anything. But didn’t even hurt me once and he just went back to holding me. I was hitting him, I was trying to be active without getting taken down.”
Nguyen also acknowledged Gasanov’s skills but reiterated his belief that the decision should have gone in his favor.
Nguyen’s frustration stems from a growing debate within the MMA community regarding how fights should be scored.
Martin Nguyen Bids Farewell in the Aftermath of Shamil Gasanov Loss
A Storied Career Comes to an End
ONE 171: Qatar turned out to be the final chapter in Martin Nguyen’s decorated career.3
The 35-year-old icon left his gloves in the Circle shortly after his fight against Shamil Gasanov, confirming his retirement from professional mixed martial arts.
For years, Nguyen stood as one of the brightest stars in ONE Championship, capturing world titles and delivering some of the most thrilling performances inside the cage.
A Tough Loss but a Graceful Exit
Nguyen’s final bout saw him face a formidable opponent in Shamil Gasanov. While the fight did not go in his favor, the former two-division world champion accepted the loss with grace and dignity.
In his post-fight interview with The Bangkok Post, he revealed the reasoning behind his decision:
“I have nothing left to prove in this division. Even though I still have a lot left in the gas tank and a lot left to fight, there’s no direction there other than winning this fight in general.”
Nguyen’s words reflected a fighter who had given everything to the sport and had reached a point where the desire to chase championships no longer fueled his competitive fire.
A Legacy of Excellence
Nguyen’s career is one that fans and fighters alike will remember for years to come. He was a pioneer in ONE Championship, becoming the first fighter in the promotion’s history to simultaneously hold titles in two different weight classes.
His historic wins over legends like Eduard Folayang and Marat Gafurov cemented his status as one of the greatest athletes in the organization’s history.
Beyond his accolades, Nguyen was admired for his fighting style—an explosive blend of power, precision, and technical prowess. His highlight-reel knockouts and ability to come back from adversity made him a must-watch fighter.
Nguyen’s journey to greatness wasn’t without struggles. Born to Vietnamese parents in Australia, he took up mixed martial arts as a means of self-discipline and self-improvement.
His transition from an amateur to a professional fighter was marked by setbacks, including early career losses that tested his resolve.
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Martin Nguyen: Championship Glory and Historic Achievements
Winning the featherweight belt was just the beginning. Nguyen made history again by moving up in weight to challenge Eduard Folayang for the ONE Lightweight World Championship.
His devastating knockout victory earned him a place in the record books as the first-ever simultaneous two-division champion in ONE Championship history.
Despite his dominance, Nguyen never shied away from tough competition. He faced some of the best fighters in the promotion, defending his title against formidable opponents and continually testing himself against new challengers.
His battles against Christian Lee, Koyomi Matsushima, and Thanh Le were some of the most exciting fights in the organization’s history.
Challenges and Setbacks
Like any great athlete, Nguyen’s career had its ups and downs. Injuries, losses, and changes in training camps posed significant challenges, but he never lost his warrior spirit.
His resilience was evident in his ability to bounce back from tough losses, always looking for ways to improve and evolve.
However, in the latter part of his career, the competition grew fiercer, and the younger generation of fighters started to make their mark. While Nguyen remained a top contender, the landscape of the division was changing rapidly.
However, he rebounded spectacularly, honing his skills at Hard Knocks 365 (now Sanford MMA) and refining his striking under the guidance of world-class coaches.
His dedication paid off when he claimed the ONE Featherweight World Championship by knocking out Marat Gafurov in 2017, a victory that avenged a previous loss and solidified his place among the best in the division.
Martin Nguyen: Perspective on Retirement
For many fighters, the decision to retire is one of the hardest they’ll ever make. Nguyen, however, approached it with a sense of clarity and acceptance.
In his own words, he had accomplished everything he set out to achieve and felt there was nothing left for him to prove.
While he admitted that he still had plenty of fight left in him, he recognized that the drive to compete for titles and pursue new challenges was no longer there.
This level of self-awareness and humility is rare in the fight game, where many athletes struggle to walk away at the right time.
The Future Beyond Fighting
Retirement from competition doesn’t mean Nguyen is stepping away from martial arts entirely.
Many former fighters transition into coaching, mentorship, or even commentary roles within the sport, and Nguyen has the experience and knowledge to contribute in numerous ways.
His deep understanding of the fight game, coupled with his ability to inspire young athletes, could see him take on a coaching role in the future.
Whether he chooses to train the next generation of fighters or explore other ventures outside of combat sports, his impact on the martial arts community is undeniable.
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An Outpouring of Respect from the MMA Community
Following his announcement, tributes poured in from fellow fighters, fans, and analysts. Many of his past opponents took to social media to express their admiration for his contributions to the sport.
ONE Championship CEO Chatri Sityodtong also acknowledged Nguyen’s legacy, praising his achievements and the professionalism he displayed throughout his career.
The respect he garnered throughout the MMA world is a testament to the way he carried himself both inside and outside the cage.
A Lasting Impact on ONE Championship
- Nguyen’s retirement marks the end of an era for ONE Championship’s featherweight and lightweight divisions.
- His influence helped elevate the promotion’s global profile, and his historic achievements paved the way for future champions.
- While he may no longer be competing, his legacy will continue to inspire aspiring fighters looking to make their mark on the sport.
- His journey from a young martial artist in Australia to a two-division world champion is a story of perseverance, discipline, and unwavering dedication.
- As Nguyen leaves his gloves in the Circle, he does so with his head held high. His retirement isn’t the end of his martial arts journey—it’s simply the beginning of a new chapter.
- Whether he chooses to coach, commentate, or pursue a completely different path, his contributions to the sport will not be forgotten.
- Martin Nguyen’s story is one of triumph, resilience, and excellence. His farewell may mark the conclusion of his fighting days, but his legacy in mixed martial arts will live on for years to come.
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