KUALA LUMPUR: With the country celebrating its 59th Merdeka day today, Malaysia's top mixed martial arts fighters have made it clear they will be going all out to make the nation proud at ONE Championships' Unbreakable Warriors.
Agilan Thani has impressed since signing with ONE last year, notching four wins in four fights and will look to extend his winning streak when he faces Filipino Trestle Tan in the middleweight division at Stadium Negara on Friday.
The 21-year-old has been careful not to get carried away by the strong start he has made so far but stressed that he is eager to make an impression in front of his home crowd.
"He (Trestle) is more experienced than myself and is a heavy-hitting, well rounded fighter. The goal for me is to perform to the best of my abilities on the day," said Agilan.
"Fighting so close to Merdeka Day and also Malaysia Day gives me added motivation to do well here.
"I have always been proud to be Malaysian, I am a Sentul boy, born and raised here and it is always an honor to represent the country.
"For me to go out there and fight for Malaysia, in Malaysia against a foreigner obviously means a lot to me."
Gianni Subba, who is fighting Brazillian Yago Bryan Farias De Morais in the bantamweight class, echoed Agilan's sentiments.
"I am looking forward to this fight, I have made some changes to my training and I feel that I am in the best shape I have ever been," said the 23-year-old.
"It (Merdeka) is a happy occasion but I am little sad because I have to miss the parade as I have to keep training.
"Obviously, to beat a Brazillian (De Morais) here at home would be very special,".
Gianni's brother Keanu will also see action at Unbreakable Warriors alongside fellow Malaysians Peter Davis, Ann Osman, Muhammad Aiman Raziz Affindi, Hisyam Samsudin and Ev Ting, who faces Aussie Rob Lisita in the main fight.