Sardor Karimboev Edges Jang Seon Gyu in Gritty Split
Lumpinee Boxing Stadium, Bangkok — August 15, 2025
Sardor Karimboev (5-0) remained undefeated after a hard-fought split decision win over South Korea’s Jang Seon Gyu (4-1) at ONE Friday Fights 120. In a tactical three-round MMA battle, Karimboev’s composure and control proved just enough to sway two of the three judges in a razor-close contest.
Karimboev’s Pressure and Positioning Win the Margins
From the opening round, Karimboev applied steady pressure, using feints and cage control to keep Jang guessing. While Jang landed clean shots from range and showed solid takedown defense, Karimboev’s clinch work and positional dominance began to tilt the momentum.
Round 2 saw Karimboev secure key moments in the grappling exchanges, controlling Jang against the ropes and landing knees in the clinch. Jang responded with sharp counters and movement, but Karimboev’s ability to dictate where the fight took place gave him the edge.
In Round 3, both fighters pushed the pace. Jang landed a few clean right hands, while Karimboev scored with body shots and a brief takedown attempt. The final bell rang with both men still swinging, and the judges rendered a split decision in favor of the Uzbek prospect.
Jang’s First Career Loss Comes in a War
Jang Seon Gyu entered the bout undefeated and looked sharp throughout the contest. His striking was crisp, and his ability to avoid damage in grappling exchanges showed his evolution as a mixed martial artist. Despite the loss, Jang’s performance proved he belongs among the top rising talents in ONE’s bantamweight division.
Bantamweight Division Gets a New Contender
With the win, Karimboev improves to 5-0 and continues his climb through ONE’s bantamweight ranks. His ability to adapt, control pace, and win close fights makes him a compelling matchup for established contenders.
Conclusion
Sardor Karimboev’s split decision win over Jang Seon Gyu wasn’t flashy—it was earned. In a sport built on grit, control, and composure, Karimboev delivered all three. ONE Friday Fights 120 showcased finishers and tacticians alike, and Karimboev proved he’s ready for the next level.
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Tags: Boxing, Combat Sports
