As a sambist, Lambagiu primarily competed at 90 kilograms, and was the 2018 Romania National champion. He represented his country at the 2018 World Sambo Championships in Bucharest and at the 2018 European Sambo Championships in Athens.[1] Besides sambo, he is also a national champion in MMA and kickboxing.[2][3]
As of 4 January 2023, Lambagiu is ranked the #2 super-welterweight kickboxer in the world by Boxemag.[4]
Background
Lambagiu comes from a poor family with four children. The family lived in an adobe house in the village of Lunca Rateș, Iași County. As a child, he helped his father in the forest, then went to work in construction. After finishing eighth grade, Lambagiu lived on his own because he did not want his family to support him. He worked on construction sites. Lambagiu admits he had a happy childhood.[5]
Kickboxing career
Lambagiu signed with Romanian organization Colosseum Tournament in 2017 and became their inaugural Colosseum Tournament World Light Welterweight Champion in the same year.
In May 2018, Lambagiu fought Artur Kyshenko to a draw in a three on one match.[6] In September 2019, Lambagiu defeated at Dynamite Fighting Show 5: Team Moroșanu vs. Team Bonjasky the former SUPERKOMBAT light heavyweight champion Daniel Stefanovski by unanimous decision.[7][8] As of 19 August 2020, he was the #7 ranked super welterweight in the world, according to the International Professional Combat Council (IPCC).[9][10]
Lambagiu faced Cyril Benzaquen on May 31, 2022 for the ISKA World Light Heavyweight Championship at Grand Palais Éphémère in Paris, France. He lost the fight via a controversial unanimous decision. The result was disputed by ISKA who blamed the French federation for it.[11][12][13]
Failed drug test
Lambagiu failed a drug test ahead of his scheduled world title bout with Cyril Benzaquen on 31 May 2022, testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs. He received a 4-year suspension by the National Anti-Doping Agency of France (AFLD) from the participation in all sports events organized or authorized by French sports federations until 3 August 2026.[14][15]
Kickboxing style
Nicknamed "Rambo", Lambagiu is a strong fighter possessing considerable punching power, being one of the best body punchers on the Romanian kickboxing scene, and powerful hooks.
For the ISKA World Light Heavyweight Championship. The International Sport Karate Association commission denied Lambagiu’s appeal, but ordered a rematch within twelve months.
