Hoping to be fan-tastic
MALAYSIA’S mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Muhammad Aiman Raziz Affindi is bent on creating a big fans base as he gears up for One: Immortal Pursuit at Singapore Indoor Stadium, today.
Aiman, with a 2-2-0 record, has always believed in making his fight memorable rather than chasing glory.
He has replaced Pakistani Waqar Umar to face Yang Fei of China in the catchweight category today.
“I’m trying to gain some new Singaporean fans (tonight) with my performance,” said Aiman, who hails from Kuala Pilah..
The 22-year-old isn’t fazed by the late call-up to join an already impressive fight card in Singapore featuring Ben Askren, who is out to defend his Welterweight World Champion title for a second consecutive time.
“They knew about it for a month but only told me a week before and I just said yes because we just thought ‘why not’.”
Aiman admitted he isn’t too familiar with Yang’s fighting style. The China ace also matches Aiman’s record of 2-2-0 apart from style and movement.
“I really don’t know much about him (Yang) but I’m always preparing for everything so that I can fight whenever,” said Aiman.
The highlight of the night will be Askren’s title defence against former Lightweight World Champion, Shinya Aoki.
Former US Olympian, Askren said he has proven himself time and time again, and today will not be any different.
“I have said from day one that I am the best in the world at what I do, and this is what I am going to do every single time. I have been saying that since I started my career, and I believe it more strongly than ever because I have proven it 17 times now, and I am pumped to prove it again on November 24,” said Askren.
“Obviously, Shinya is a legend of the sport, and he is a really big challenge on the ground.”
“He is a grappler and has a great skill set that I respect, so I think it will be a great battle.” Farah Azharie