MMA: AJ's back and set to win for Malaysia in Jakarta tonight

Malaysian MMA fighter AJ ‘Pyro’ Lias Mansor is set to take on his Indonesian opponent, Anthony Engelen at ONE Championship’s showdown in Jakarta, tonight.

After four years of retirement, the 41-year-old Sabahan is back and more than honoured to represent the country and his state in this fight.

“I am a proud Malaysian and a proud Sabahan and will always fly these flags high.

“I am honoured to have been able to represent both my state and nation in sports since I was young,” he told Astro AWANI.

Despite being ‘absent’ from the cage, AJ has been constantly preparing himself physically and mentally — competing in numerous tournaments including Brazilian jiujitsu, boxing and wrestling.

He even won a bronze medal in a Brazilian jiujitsu tournament in 2014 in Manila and another bronze in 2015 during a wrestling tournament in Singapore.

Besides being ONE Championship National Featherweight Champion, AJ is also a former Malaysian national rugby player and a national silat champion.

“I train 365 days a year with or without a fight. Now I am just tuning up mentally and physically to meet Engelen in the cage,” he said.

Asked whether he’s nervous about the fight, AJ said he is in fact excited about it and confident that he will emerge victorious.

“Anthony is a great match and a strong up-and-coming MMA fighter. This is going to be exciting!

“I love to fight tough opponents like him. I am confident I will beat him,” said AJ.

Dismissing the possibility of ‘expiring’ at the age of 42, he also mulled out the possibility of going for a title shot in the future.

“Anything is possible!” he said, dedicating his fight to all Malaysians and fans who have supported him all these while.

“This fight and this win goes out to all of my fans, thank you!” said AJ.

ONE Championship ‘Quest for Power’ will be held at the Jakarta Convention Center and will be aired live at 10pm via Astro SuperSport 2 channel 811 and Astro SuperSport 2 HD channel 833.