KUALA LUMPUR: Two of Malaysia’s top MMA fighters, Agilan “Alligator” Thani and “Jungle Cat” Muhammad Aiman will be up against formidable foreign opponents at ONE: MARK OF GREATNESS at the Axiata Arena on Dec 6.
Agilan, 24, a former ONE Welterweight World Title challenger will battle Mohammad Karaki O Lutador of Lebanon while Aiman will take on Chen “the Ghost” Rui of China in the bantamweight category.
“I’m happy I will get the chance to end the year on a high note in my country. The last time I fought in Kuala Lumpur, things really didn’t go my way as I lost to the eventual world champion, Kiamrian Abbasov of Russia,” said Agilan.
“It’s always a good feeling to be fighting in front of the Malaysian fans. I haven’t had the crowd behind me in my last couple of fights, so it’s going to be refreshing to have the fans in the arena supporting me this time around.
“I really need to turn things around if I want to be considered as a world championship contender once again.
“It’s going to be a tough fight for me because Karaki is a talented competitor, having fought for the world title before.
Aiman, a former Malaysian featherweight champion, said: “I’m really glad that I get to perform in Malaysia again, it’s been over a year since I was back here with ONE.
“I’m definitely ready to put on a good show. Having my fellow Malaysians supporting me on fight night, it’s going to be really exciting.
“This is going to be a big test for me. I’m really hoping to be able to put a winning streak together and maybe finally get a shot at the World Championship.
“If I can beat Chen Rui, I’ll be 4-1 in my last five fights. I believe I'll be a win or two away from the title if I can get the win on fight night.”
“But I know it won’t be an easy night for me. Chen Rui was undefeated prior to his last fight, and I know that he’s going to come in with hunger and motivation to get back to the winner’s circle.
“However, I believe that I’m more hungry and more motivated to win because I really feel that I’m close to contender status.”