Malaysia's 'Alligator' ready to drag Okami into deep waters

The MIMMA Welterweight Champion makes his return to the Circle at ONE: CENTURY PART I against Yushin 'Thunder' Okami on Sunday, 13 October.

Though some might shy away from the idea of taking on a senior of the sport, the “Alligator” has no qualms about his next assignment at The Home Of Martial Arts.

“It was somewhere in mid-August when I received the offer to compete on the ONE: CENTURY card,” the Monarchy MMA athlete shared ahead of his match at the single biggest World Championship martial arts event in history.

“It could be a very interesting battle, and I’m hoping that Yushin Okami brings the best version of himself to Tokyo.”

Thani’s last appearance in June of this year was a career-defining moment for the courageous young martial artist from the heart of Kuala Lumpur.

At ONE: LEGENDARY QUEST in Shanghai, the former ONE Welterweight World Title contender defeated one of the biggest names in his career Yoshihiro 'Sexy Yama' Akiyama by unanimous decision.

The 24-year-old grappling specialist admits that he is still trying to makes sense of that huge win.

“I can look back at that performance as a special moment. I’m still digesting what I did in June because Akiyama is a big name and a very well experienced guy. Also, it was my first match following a surgery I had at the end of the year. It was special,” he added.

“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.”

With another big task in front of him, Thani is ready for another classic performance in “The Land Of The Rising Sun.”

As he puts it, he wants to enjoy the battle first ­– and the city afterward.

“I’ve never been to Tokyo, but I’ve always wanted to go there because most Malaysians go there and they’ve always got something positive to say about the place,” the welterweight said.

“So now, here’s my chance to go there and experience it firsthand. I will entertain myself for sure!”