The 'Alligator' has nothing but respect for Okami

Agilan 'Alligator' Thani’s confidence is brewing following his latest win against Japanese-Korean mixed martial arts icon Yoshihiro 'Sexy Yama' Akiyama.

But that credence will be put through a severe test at ONE: CENTURY PART I on Sunday, 13 October against another huge name from “The Land Of The Rising Sun” – Yushin 'Thunder' Okami.

Agilan declined to compare the athletes, but he holds both in high regards, especially Okami.

“I’m still digesting what I did in June because Akiyama is a big name and a very well-experienced guy,” the 24-year-old martial artist said.

“Now I'm up against a name who is more experienced than that. He’s fought some of the toughest and best out there.”

“Besides, he has even been on top of the game for a much longer time than Akiyama has.”

Though he respects what Okami has done for the martial arts scene in Asia, Agilan knows once the Circle door closes, he will have to put that admiration aside.

“Respect means everything in this game, but once I touch gloves with him until I hear the final bell, that has to be put aside for a while,” Thani said.

“When we are at war, we cannot be waiting for our opponent to strike, or hold our punches or kicks because we respect our opponent.”

The 'Alligator' is hungry for another win, but Okami does not want to disappoint his Japanese fans inside the Ryogoku Kokugikan.

It has been a tough period for the experienced martial artist. He picked up two back-to-back losses since he signed with ONE Championship.

But will statistics be a factor? Not at all, according to Agilan.

“I cannot underestimate this guy although he’s been losing his last couple of fights,” the Monarchy MMA athlete said.

“Okami is very good, and I expect to do my best. Besides, he is fighting in Japan. That’s always best for any fighter when they’re competing in their own country.”

Catch Malaysia’s 'Alligator' battle it out at ONE: CENTURY at the famous Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, Japan on 13 October.

ONE: CENTURY is the biggest World Championship martial arts event in history with 28 World Champions featured across various martial arts.

The Home Of Martial Arts will break new ground as it brings multiple World Title bouts, a trio of World Grand Prix Championship Finals, and several World Champion versus World Champion matches.