Paul Elliott: The Pressure is on Shamil Erdogan at ONE Fight Night 48

The winner of Friday's heavyweight main event could be next for a title shot. Paul Elliott, an English knockout artist, feels that prospect weighs more heavily on his opponent.

Elliott faces the undefeated Shamil Erdogan in the heavyweight MMA main event of ONE Fight Night 48 on Prime Video this Friday, October 2. The fight airs live in U.S. primetime from Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

Erdogan holds a professional record of 13-0, with all five of his ONE appearances ending in spectacular fashion. His ONE fights have averaged just two minutes and 34 seconds.

Elliott has found his footing in ONE after a challenging start. He has finished his last two opponents, Ryugo Takeuchi and Regan Upshaw, with all his wins coming by way of knockout.

“All the pressure is on him,” Elliott stated. “While I know this is a significant fight and the winner might get a title bout afterward, which naturally brings some pressure, I believe he carries all of it. He's expected to win, and he's aiming to maintain his undefeated record. My goal is to cause an upset.”

Paul Elliott Backs His Power Against Shamil Erdogan

While wrestling is Erdogan's known strength, he also displays skilled striking with kicks and punches. Elliott, however, trusts his own power more in stand-up exchanges.

His six-second knockout of Upshaw is among the fastest finishes in ONE history. The 34-year-old is confident his explosive power will be decisive on Friday.

“He’s a good striker, no doubt. He has effective kicks and punches. He’s very well-rounded,” Elliott acknowledged. “But I think his wrestling surpasses his striking. Is my striking better than his? I believe so. I feel I possess more power and am significantly more explosive. I don’t think he’s faced anyone with my level of explosiveness. My strength and explosiveness will be significant advantages.”