MMA: Agilan reveals what he told Akiyama following his win

If there’s one thing Agilan 'Alligator' Thani discovered during his epic welterweight clash against Yoshihiro 'Sexy Yama' Akiyama, it was the Japanese-Korean’s warrior spirit.

Despite Agilan throwing everything in his arsenal, the 43-year-old refused to go down. His striking has gotten the better of several opponents in the past, but the Monarchy MMA representative realized that this was a whole new ball game.

“Akiyama could be 43, but he’s a legend for a reason. He’s achieved so much throughout his career, and he’s one of the biggest names in the business over here,” Agilan shared.

“He can take a punch, and immediately pop up back on his feet very easily. His determination to try and get a win was clear, but unfortunately for him, I won that night.”

The ONE: LEGENDARY QUEST co-main event in Shanghai, China on Saturday, 15 June got off to a scorcher, as Akiyama executed a perfectly-timed counter-takedown barely two minutes into the battle.

Despite influencing the match through his grappling and boxing, Thani was handed a tough test during the final minute of the second round.

Akiyama landed a couple of huge strikes, which rattled the Sentul native. However, Agilan’s counter punches and ring movement made it a bit harder for “Sexy Yama.”

“I was getting a bit tired during the end of that period, and he suddenly burst into action and hit me with several huge shots,” he recalled.

“He caught me with a huge right hand, which broke my nose. It was war during that period, and all I could do was to throw fists back.”

Another five minutes went by and after an engaging three-round battle, Agilan’s hand was raised in victory.

Before the result was read, however, both warriors paid respect to each other in the ring.

“After the fight, I thanked him and told him, ‘You’re the man,’” he joked.

“But when I met him afterward, I told him you’re a true warrior and that I respect him so much. He’s famous, made a name for himself, made a lot of money throughout his career, and didn’t have to accept this fight against me.

"He gave me a shot, and I’m happy. Thank you, Akiyama.”