Ok Leyyun is already eyeing a rematch with Christian Lee, despite beating Alibeg Rasoulov in a fight for the interim lightweight title at ONE Fight Night 23 on Saturday.
Oku was the last man to defeat Lee in September 2021, but lost the rematch 11 months later and vacated the lightweight title.
Lee has only fought once since then, so Saturday's bout will determine an interim champion.
Oku told the Post that he is already looking beyond Rasoulof's film and preparing a trilogy with Lee.
“It's important to get it done,” said the Korean. “Don't get me wrong, I know Christian is the champion at both lightweight and welterweight. He's the strongest.”
“I need to beat him to prove to the world that I'm stronger.”
“I don't want revenge. I just want to beat him and solidify my reputation as the best in the world.”
While Rasulov may come into the bout with an impressive 13-0 record, Oku said he has no concerns right now about Saturday's opponent.
“Being undefeated means nothing. I only judge my opponent on their ability,” he added. “I've watched his videos and his opponents weren't that different from others I've faced.”
“I've been practicing takedown defense and grappling in preparation for this fight.”
There were recent reports that Oku was considering retirement, but the 33-year-old denied it.
“Even if I win the title, I'm not going to retire right away,” he said. “If I was going to do that, I would have retired after beating Christian Lee and winning the title.”
“I'm still young and in good shape. I want to win the title, defend it many times and prove that I am the best in my weight class.”
