Naimjon Tuhtaboyev

Naimjon Tuhtaboyev (Uzbek: Naimjon To'xtaboyev; born 29 January 1993) is an Uzbek Lethwei and Muay Thai fighter who currently competes in the World Lethwei Championship (WLC),[1] where he is the reigning WLC Middleweight World champion.[2]

Naimjon Tuhtaboyev
Born (1993-01-29) January 29, 1993
Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Native nameNaimjon To'xtaboyev
NationalityUzbek
Height1.80 m (5 ft 11 in)
Weight75 kg (165 lb; 11.8 st)
StyleLethwei, Muay Thai
StanceOrthodox
TeamTiger Muaythai
Kickboxing record
Total78
Wins64
Losses13
Draws1

Tuhtaboyev became the WLC champion by beating the previously undefeated Too Too at WLC 11: Battlebones in Yangon, Myanmar.[3]

Career

Lethwei career

On October 14, 2018, Tuhtaboyev impressed in his Lethwei debut, when he dominated in his fight against local hero Phyan Thway.[4] Phyan Thway, who was known for having difficulties in cutting weight, looked significantly lighter than Tuhtaboyev. The performance of the Uzbek fighter caught the attention of the World Lethwei Championship (WLC).[5]

World Lethwei Championship

In 2019, Tuhtaboyev signed an exclusive Lethwei contract with World Lethwei Championship and challenged undefeated, reigning WLC Middleweight Champion Too Too. On October 25, 2014, both men had fought each other under Muay Thai rules at THAI FIGHT in Thailand, with Tuhtaboyev emerging victorious by split decision. Since then, Too Too had been celebrated in his home country of Myanmar, winning the WLC Middleweight title in 2018. Meanwhile, Tuhtaboyev had been more focused on Muay Thai, having been involved in several big fights.[5] In their Lethwei rematch, the WLC Middleweight World Championship would be on the line.[6]

On January 31, 2020, Tuhtaboyev faced Too Too inside the Thein Pyu Stadium, with the event being streamed live on UFC Fight Pass.[7] Both fighters were looking for the knockout, with Too Too being effective with his leg kicks and headbutts. However, Tuhtaboyev's more precise and accurate strikes proved to be the difference and earned him the victory via split decision, as well as the WLC Middleweight World Championship.[8]

THAI FIGHT

On April 19, 2013, Tuhtaboyev faced Muay Thai champion Yodsanklai Fairtex and lost by TKO in the second round two at THAI FIGHT EXTREME 2013: Pattaya.[9]

On July 24, 2013, Tuhtaboyev took part in the 2013 Toyota Vigo Marathon 140 lbs Tournament in Phitsanulok, Thailand. In the Tournament Quarter Finals, he defeated Leonard Nganga of Kenya by decision. Advancing to the Semi Final round, he defeated John Michel Pierre via second-round technical knockout. In the Tournament Final, he faced the Muay Thai legend Saenchai, to whom he lost in a three-round decision.

Naimjon Tuhtaboyev returned to THAI FIGHT on October 27, 2013, where he faced Christophe Pruvost of Switzerland at THAI FIGHT Kard Chuek. Tuhtaboyev went on to lose by decision after three rounds.

On September 20, 2014, he faced former Isuzu Cup tournament winner Chanajon P.K. Saenchai Muaythaigym at THAI FIGHT WORLD BATTLE 2014: Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City. The Uzbek picked up his first win in THAI FIGHT as he knocked out Chanajon in the first round with a spinning back elbow.

On October 25, 2014, Naimjon Tuhtaboyev faced Burmese Lethwei fighter Too Too under Muay Thai rules in a fight where the Uzbek narrowly won by way of a three-round decision.

Tuhtaboyev returned to THAI FIGHT on October 23, 2016 at THAI FIGHT Air Race 1 to face Sean Kearney of Canada. He lost the fight via three-round decision.

On December 23, 2017, he defeated Mohamed Houmer of France by knockout at THAI FIGHT Chiang Mai in the 2017 THAI FIGHT 70 kg Tournament Semi-Finals.[10]

Naimjon Tuhtaboyev went on to face Saensatharn P.K. Saenchai Muaythaigym at THAI FIGHT Bangkok on January 27, 2018 in the 70 kg Tournament Final. The fight was to determine the 2017 THAI FIGHT 70 kg Champion. However, after three rounds, he lost by decision.[11]

On March 30, 2019, Tuhtaboyev faced Chanajon P.K. Saenchai Muaythaigym at THAI FIGHT Mueang Khon 2019 in a rematch of their fight from 2014. This time, Chanajon won the fight by decision.

Championships and accomplishments

Lethwei

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