Immortal Champions spoke with Ramal “Lord” Aslanov, the former world champion and current First Vice President of the Azerbaijan Kickboxing Federation.
Aslanov, a former national and world champion, retired after a successful and notable career. Nicknamed “Lord”, the warrior won world titles and fought all over the world.
Now helping prepare the next generation of Azerbaijani champions, Aslanov spoke with us about his start in kickboxing, his career highlights, and a possible ring return if a respectable offer is given.
How did you get started in kickboxing, and when did you realise you wanted to become a professional fighter?
Ramal Aslanov: Since childhood, I liked fighting very much. I chose kickboxing because it is a combat sport, and I started kickboxing with my coach Hikmat Hajiyev at the age of 12.
You had an amazing career. You’ve won Azerbaijani and world titles and your name is known by kickboxing fans in many countries. You competed all over the world, including Europe, your home country of Azerbaijan, and even China.
Is there one particular moment in your career you’re most proud of?
RA: There are two fights in my career that I am most proud of.
The first is the WAKO world champonship-because I fought in the finals for 5 years in a row, and in the end, I became the world champion in 2019.
The second time is when I won the World Grand Prix in China. Here in the final fight, despite being knocked down in the first round, I won the fight and became the champion.
It was my proudest fight, and meeting with the President of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, was a very proud moment for me.
You had a very accomplished career and are still a young man at age 31. Do you ever think about coming back to kickboxing for more matches?
RA: Yes. I am almost done with my career.
I can fight if I get a fight offer from a reputable organiser. Currently, I am the First Vice President of the Azerbaijan Kickboxing Federation. I want to continue my career by training new champions rather than fighting.
You’re the Vice President of the Azerbaijan Kickboxing Federation, and have been honoured by the government.
Azerbaijan has had so many great champions like yourself, Zabit Samedov, Chingiz Allazov, and Alim Nabiyev. And Bahram Rajabzadeh just won a four-man tournament in Glory Kickboxing. I must also mention Immortal Champions CEO Hafiz Bakhshaliyev, my boss as a champion from Azerbaijan.
Are you happy with the current state of kickboxing in Azerbaijan? Do you see more champions coming in the future?
RA: Yes, I am the vice president of the federation. I have always received attention and care from the government, from our president, especially the honourary president of the Azerbaijan Kickboxing Federation, Mr. Adil Aliyev.
Great trust was shown to me.
As you know, we have lot of well-known champions, and also a lot of young athletes who are developing, who I hope we will see in the international arenas in the future.
How did you get the nickname “Lord”?
RA: I have always fought offensively in the ring. I always felt like the owner of the ring. I knew the ring as my throne. That’s why I took this nickname.
That’s all the questions we have for you. It’s an honour to interview you and thank you for the kind message.
Is there anything else you’d like to say to the fans or anyone you would like to thank?
RA: I am also glad to meet you.
In particular, I want to thank Hafiz Bakhshaliyev, who introduced us. I hope to see you soon.
I want to say to my fans that there might be a special offer that I can return to the ring.
