By Rolando Cronin 
A Night of Redemption at Lumpinee Stadium
On August 1, 2025, Ellis Badr Barboza delivered a performance for the ages at ONE Fight Night 34, overcoming a first-round knockdown to secure a dramatic third-round TKO against Shamil Adukhov. The strawweight Muay Thai clash at Bangkok’s iconic Lumpinee Stadium was a rollercoaster of emotion, showcasing Barboza’s resilience and heart. This fight wasn’t just a win—it was a statement that “El Jefe” is back and gunning for another shot at ONE Championship glory.
The Stage: ONE Fight Night 34 in Bangkok
ONE Fight Night 34, held at the hallowed Lumpinee Stadium, was a stacked card headlined by Regian Eersel’s lightning-fast knockout of George Jarvis. Barboza vs. Adukhov, a pivotal strawweight Muay Thai bout, stole the show with its intensity and drama. For Barboza, it was a chance to rebound from a title fight loss; for Adukhov, it was an opportunity to prove he belonged on the global stage.
Barboza’s Road to Redemption
After a heartbreaking TKO loss to Prajanchai PK Saenchai in February 2025, Barboza needed a win to stay in the strawweight title picture. His relentless cardio and explosive power had earned him a reputation as a top contender, but this fight would test his mental fortitude. The Birmingham native was ready to show the world he wasn’t done yet.
Adukhov’s Quest for a Breakthrough
Shamil Adukhov, a Dagestani kickboxer with a 7-1 regional record, entered ONE Championship with high expectations. His debut loss to Aliff Sor Dechapan on short notice was a setback, but with a full training camp, he aimed to make a statement against a former title challenger. Adukhov’s aggressive style promised fireworks.
The Fight: A Tale of Grit and Glory
The strawweight Muay Thai bout was a three-round war that kept fans on the edge of their seats. From an early scare to a controversial finish, Barboza and Adukhov delivered a fight that epitomized the spirit of Muay Thai.
Round 1: Adukhov’s Shock Knockdown
Adukhov came out swinging, using his six-inch height advantage to keep Barboza at bay. In the final moments of the round, he landed a spinning back elbow that dropped “El Jefe” to the canvas. It was a wake-up call for Barboza, who survived the round but faced an uphill battle.
Round 2: Barboza Finds His Rhythm
Guided by coach Mehdi Zatout’s advice to “wake up,” Barboza adjusted his approach in round two. He closed the distance, neutralizing Adukhov’s reach with crisp combinations and body shots. His relentless pressure began to wear down the Russian, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.
Round 3: The Controversial TKO
In the final minute, Barboza smelled blood. He chased Adukhov to the corner, landing a devastating elbow that floored his opponent. Controversy arose when Barboza appeared to land late strikes, drawing a warning from referee Olivier Coste. Despite the drama, the TKO was official at 2:08 of round three.
Fight Breakdown: Key Moments and Tactics
The bout showcased contrasting styles—Barboza’s technical precision against Adukhov’s raw aggression. Here’s how it unfolded:
- Adukhov’s Early Dominance: His height and reach allowed him to dictate the pace in round one, with the spinning elbow proving his knockout potential.
- Barboza’s Adjustments: By round two, Barboza used footwork to close the gap, targeting Adukhov’s body to sap his energy.
- The Decisive Elbow: Barboza’s third-round elbow was a masterclass in timing, catching Adukhov off-guard and sealing the win.
Comparison: Barboza vs. Adukhov
| Fighter | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
| Ellis Badr Barboza | Relentless cardio, technical striking, resilience | Susceptible to early power shots |
| Shamil Adukhov | Height/reach advantage, knockout power | Limited ONE experience, stamina issues |
The Controversy: Late Shots and Apologies
Barboza’s victory wasn’t without controversy. Referee Olivier Coste reprimanded him for landing strikes after Adukhov was grounded, prompting an apology from the Briton. “I don’t know what happened, it’s just the adrenaline,” Barboza told the Bangkok Post. He expressed respect for Adukhov, noting their shared Muslim faith, and vowed to avoid such mistakes in the future.
Barboza’s Redemption Arc
This win moved Barboza’s record to 18-6 and kept him in the strawweight title conversation. After surviving a knockdown and overcoming a controversial finish, “El Jefe” proved his heart and skill. A few more wins could earn him a rematch with Prajanchai.
Adukhov’s Learning Curve
Despite the loss, Adukhov showed flashes of brilliance. His first-round knockdown highlighted his potential, but stamina issues and Barboza’s pressure exposed areas for improvement. With more experience, the Dagestani could become a contender.
Why This Fight Mattered
This wasn’t just a fight—it was a defining moment for both men. For Barboza, it was about proving he could overcome adversity and stay relevant in a stacked division. For Adukhov, it was a chance to show he could hang with the elite. The fight’s intensity and drama made it a highlight of ONE Fight Night 34.
Personal Reflection: Why This Fight Hit Home
As someone who’s followed Muay Thai for years, I’ve always been drawn to stories of resilience. Barboza’s journey—from homelessness in Birmingham to fighting on ONE’s global stage—is inspiring. I remember watching a local fight night where an underdog rallied from a knockdown to win, and Barboza’s comeback gave me those same chills. It’s a reminder that in Muay Thai, heart can trump all.
Where to Watch Highlights and Full Fights
Missed the action? Here’s how to catch up:
- ONE Championship Website: Full fight replays and highlights are available for free to Amazon Prime subscribers in the US and Canada.
- YouTube: ONE’s official channel posts highlights, including Barboza’s TKO. Search “ONE Fight Night 34 Barboza vs Adukhov highlights.”
- Sky Sports: Offers video clips and analysis of key moments.
- Sofascore: Provides live scores and stats for ONE Championship events.
People Also Ask (PAA)
What happened in the Barboza vs. Adukhov fight at ONE Fight Night 34?
Ellis Badr Barboza overcame a first-round knockdown to stop Shamil Adukhov via TKO at 2:08 of round three. The fight, held on August 1, 2025, at Lumpinee Stadium, saw controversy over late strikes by Barboza.
Why was Barboza’s win controversial?
Barboza landed strikes after Adukhov was grounded, prompting a warning from referee Olivier Coste. He later apologized, citing adrenaline, and vowed to avoid such mistakes.
Where can I watch ONE Fight Night 34 highlights?
Highlights are available on ONE Championship’s website, YouTube, and Sky Sports. Amazon Prime subscribers in the US and Canada can watch full replays for free.
Who won between Barboza and Adukhov?
Ellis Badr Barboza won via TKO in the third round at ONE Fight Night 34 on August 1, 2025.
Pros and Cons: Barboza’s Performance
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Showed incredible resilience after knockdown | Controversial late strikes drew criticism |
| Effective adjustments in rounds 2 and 3 | Slow start left him vulnerable early |
| Devastating elbow sealed the win | Needs to refine control under pressure |
Tactical Analysis: What Made Barboza’s Comeback Possible?
Barboza’s victory was a masterclass in adaptability. After the first-round knockdown, he relied on his cardio to outwork Adukhov, targeting the body to slow him down. His coach’s advice to “let’s go” sparked a shift in aggression, culminating in the fight-ending elbow. This performance highlighted why Barboza is a former WBC European Muay Thai champion.
Adukhov’s Missed Opportunity
Adukhov’s early success showed his potential, but his inability to maintain pressure allowed Barboza to take control. His limited ONE experience was evident, and he’ll need to work on pacing to compete with top-tier strikers.
The Bigger Picture: What’s Next for Barboza?
This win puts Barboza back in the strawweight title conversation. A rematch with Prajanchai or a bout against another top contender like Aliff Sor Dechapan could be next. His ability to overcome adversity makes him a fan favorite and a dangerous opponent.
Adukhov’s Path Forward
Adukhov’s loss doesn’t define him. At 25, he has time to refine his skills and adapt to ONE’s elite competition. A fight against a lower-ranked opponent could help him rebuild confidence.
How to Follow ONE Championship
Stay updated on ONE Championship events with these resources:
- Official Website: onefc.com for news, schedules, and replays.
- Social Media: Follow @ONEChampionship on X for live updates and fighter insights.
- Apps: Download the ONE Super App for fight notifications and exclusive content.
- Betting: Platforms like Stake.com offer odds for ONE events, including Barboza vs. Adukhov.
FAQ
How did Ellis Badr Barboza win against Shamil Adukhov?
Barboza won via TKO at 2:08 of round three with a devastating elbow after surviving a first-round knockdown. The win came at ONE Fight Night 34 on August 1, 2025.
Why did Barboza apologize after the fight?
He apologized for landing late strikes on a grounded Adukhov, which drew a warning from referee Olivier Coste. Barboza cited adrenaline and expressed respect for his opponent.
What’s next for Barboza in ONE Championship?
With this win, Barboza is likely a few fights away from another title shot. A rematch with Prajanchai or a bout against Aliff Sor Dechapan could be next.
Where can I find ONE Championship fight replays?
Amazon Prime subscribers in the US and Canada can watch full replays on ONE’s website. Highlights are available on YouTube and Sky Sports.
How did Adukhov perform in his ONE debut?
Adukhov lost via first-round KO to Aliff Sor Dechapan at ONE Fight Night 28. His fight against Barboza showed improvement but exposed stamina issues.
Final Thoughts: A Fight to Remember
Ellis Badr Barboza’s comeback against Shamil Adukhov was a testament to the heart of Muay Thai. From a first-round scare to a third-round finish, “El Jefe” showed why he’s a force in the strawweight division. Despite the controversy, his resilience and skill shone through, making this one of the most memorable fights of ONE Fight Night 34. For fans, it’s a reminder of why we love this sport—unpredictable, emotional, and always thrilling.
*For more Muay Thai action, visit ONE Championship or check out Sportskeeda for