ONE’s Liam Nolan Believes He Is One Fight Away From Muay Thai Title Shot

Liam Nolan wants be a ONE Championship muay thai title holder by the end of 2024.

One on Prime Video 18 saw the British fan favorite take on Russian striker Ali Aliev, who stepped up on short notice for French Glory Kickboxing veteran Theo Avon. Nolan earned a unanimous decision win over Aliev in his first bout since November 2022.

Nolan started his ONE Championship tenure on a two-fight skid, but he bounced back with consecutive wins over Brown Pinas and Kim Kyung Lock. Nolan then came up short against former lightweight title challenger Sinsamut Klinmee before besting Eddie Abasolo. Nolan was then out of competition throughout 2023 due to health issues, which forced him to miss out on a rematch against Klinmee.

He believes his latest win over Aliev now puts him only one fight away from a title shot against lightweight champ Regian Eersel.

“To fight next, I don’t know but I definitely want to be ending the year with a ONE belt on my shoulder…I believe so [that I’m close to a title shot],” Nolan said following his latest victory. “I believe I will fight once more before that, but I reckon this year that fight has a good potential for happening.”

Asked about his roadmap to a potential win against the Dutch champ, Nolan didn’t want to reveal too much.


“I think I have a good style to beat him under the muay thai ruleset,” he said. “I don’t want to give too much away but yeah, I definitely think I have the style, the power and everything to go and do that. I think I’m the man to do it.”

Nolan is also still interested in an opportunity to avenge his loss against Klinmee, which could also make him relevant in the title picture.

“Yes, I’m open to that,” Nolan said. “Obviously, it was meant to happen in November but I’m more than happy to face him this year.”