“I am growing and changing every day” - Amir Aliakbari says earlier setbacks turned him into an absolute beast
Amir Aliakbari talked about continuing to evolve as a person and fighter due to the setbacks throughout his life.
In March 2021, Aliakbari made his ONE Championship debut after overcoming obstacles throughout his personal life and fighting career. Things didn't go as planned for the Iranian grappler due to Kang Ji Won and Anatoly Malykhin finishing him in his first two promotional appearances.
Since then, the 36-year-old has silenced the doubters with four consecutive wins, all inside the distance. Aliakbari recently did an interview with ONE to discuss his journey, leading to the following quote about his evolution:
"I am growing and changing every day from my childhood to today with all the good and bad things that have happened to me."
Two of Amir Aliakbari's four promotional wins were against former ONE heavyweight MMA world champions (Brandon Vera and Arjan Bhullar. The former UWW Greco-Roman Wrestling world champion now looks to make another statement in his upcoming fight to potentially secure a title shot.
Watch the rivalry between Aliakbari and Malykhin escalate below:
Amir Aliakbari looks to solidify heavyweight title shot with ONE 169 win
On November 8, Amir Aliakbari has an opportunity to extend his winning streak at ONE 169. To do so, the heavyweight MMA contender must take out the always dangerous Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu legend Marcus 'Buchecha' Almeida, who looks to bounce back from a loss against 'Reug Reug' Oumar Kane.
There are added stakes for 'Buchecha' vs. Aliakbari due to the ONE 169 main event. Three-division MMA world champion Anatoly Malykhin will defend his heavyweight MMA world title in the headliner against top contender 'Reug Reug.'
With a win against 'Buchecha,' Aliakbari could catch the attention of Malykhin, who knocked out the Iranian wrestler in September 2021. It should be noted that Aliakbari and Malykhin have escalated their rivalry since they fought.
Aliakbari may have to endure an extended layoff, assuming he wins at ONE 169, due to Malykhin needing to defend his other two world titles.
ONE 169 will air live from the legendary Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. The November 8 event featuring three world title fights can be seen live and for free by North American viewers with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription.