New Straits Times

AIMAN READY FOR ‘BIG GUYS’

He wants to take on the top fighters after beating China opponent

- FARAH AZHARIE farahazhar­ie@nstp.com.my

MUHAMMAD Aiman Raziz Affindi now wants to fight bigger, top guys. It’s amazing what confidence can do as he is feeling recharged following his victory in the One: Immortal Pursuit fight on Friday.

Aiman, who was Malaysia’s sole challenger at the franchise’s mixed martial arts (MMA) show at Singapore Indoor Stadium on Friday, made quite an impact when he defeated China’s Yang Fei in the catchweigh­t contest.

The latest success has improved Aiman’s profession­al record to 3-2.

Now, the 22-year-old MMA fighter aims to get back to his bantamweig­ht class as he gears up for his next fight — in Kuala Lumpur on March 9 next year.

“I just want to fight again and try to be a better fighter.

“I’m still not there yet and I want to fight the bigger, top guys,” said Aiman, who hails from Kuala Pilah, Negri Sembilan.

“I’m still fighting undercard but I want to be a better fighter.”

Aiman said seeing fellow franchise fighter Martin Nguyen’s remarkable progress over the years has inspired him.

“I saw Nguyen progress in so many things when he beat (Eduard) Folayang and Marat (Gafurov) to win two titles in less than a year,” said Aiman.

“I will definitely be trying to do the same thing because that inspires me to be more like him.”

Vietnamese-Australian Nguyen made history when he became the first-ever fighter to hold two-division world champion in One Championsh­ip.

Nguyen recorded a stunning one-punch knockout to steal the Lightweigh­t World Championsh­ip title from Filipino Folayang earlier this month.

 ??  ?? Aiman is confident he can be a better fighter.
Aiman is confident he can be a better fighter.

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