“It doesn't matter who wins” - Amir Aliakbari says he’ll fight Anatoly Malykhin or ‘Reug Reug’ on his way to heavyweight MMA gold
Amir Aliakbari couldn't care less who wins the clash of the titans between his fellow heavyweights Anatoly Malykhin and 'Reug Reug' Oumar Kane. As far as the Iranian crusher is concerned, he'll gladly fight either man for the chance to realize his dream of becoming the ONE heavyweight MMA world champion.
ONE 169 is indeed a big one for the world's largest martial arts organization's heavyweight MMA division. The main event will feature Malykhin's first heavyweight MMA world title defense against Reug Reug.
There's also a possible world title eliminator between Aliakbari and BJJ legend Marcus 'Buchecha' Almeida. A fifth straight win for Aliakbari will no doubt put him in a prime position to challenge the victor in the curtain closer of the stacked card.
Speaking in an interview with ONE, the 36-year-old Greco-Roman wrestling specialist says he'll gladly take the throne regardless of whoever occupies it.
"It doesn't matter who wins, I'm your next opponent, God willing."
It is worth noting that Amir Aliakbari would love to get revenge against Malykhin, who knocked him out in their first encounter back in 2021.
Then again, it will be also interesting to see how the AAA Team affiliate will match up against 'Reug Reug's vaunted Senegalese wrestling style.
Amir Aliakbari ready to make a statement against 'Buchecha'
Before his disqualification win over former heavyweight MMA champ Arjan Bhullar, the monstrous Amir Aliakbari won three straight via vicious stoppages.
The Iranian powerhouse displayed frightening pressure in the violent finishes of Mauro Cerilli, Brandon Vera, and Dustin Joynson.
This Friday, Aliakbari will look to add 'Buchecha' to that list of victims and clinch his claim for 26 pounds of gold. He told ONE:
"I am ready to face anything that he brings to the fight. My plan is [to] do well and have a spectacular fight."
ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug will air live in US Primetime free of charge for Prime Video subscribers in North America.