MMA: Malaysia's Agilan out to prove that Ben Askren is only human

Malaysia's Agilan Thani said he is confident of defeating world welterweight champion Ben Askren at ONE Championship's Dynasty Of Heroes, in Singapore, next Friday.

The former MIMMA welterweight champion believed that anything is possible and that he can spring a big upset and bring home the world championship belt.

"I know Ben is a very talented, strong, technical and relentless wrestler. That said, no human is unbeatable, so he can think whatever he wants about beating me easily.

"I'm going to just do my thing, and I believe I have what it takes to win," said the 21-year-old Malaysian prospect as quoted in the media recently.

Agilan also insisted that he is a man of the people -- a rather different perspective compared to some fighters who sometimes think themselves as 'special'.

"Many have tried to beat Askren, but I'm just going to try to do my best. I don't think I'm anything special and I never act like I am. I'm the same, like everyone else.

"I just like fighting, and I just feel that I can beat him if I perform my best. I'm so grateful that I have my chance," he said.

Agilan hoped that he keeps his undefeated streak of 7-0 and become the first Malaysian to win a world title in MMA.

“I'm not just there to make up numbers, though. I'm getting the belt and it's been my goal since I made my debut. My ambition is to be the best in the world and defend my belt multiple times.

"I respect Ben and I hope he stays healthy and has a good training camp. I'll be waiting for him in Singapore," he ended.

Agilan is a rising star in the Malaysian MMA scene, with a perfect undefeated record of 7-0 in his professional career.

In his previous fight, Agilan beat Taiwanese MMA veteran Jeff Huang via submission (rear naked choke) in the second round.

His opponent, Askren, 32 years, is a former NCAA Division I All-American collegiate wrestling legend and a Bellator veteran who also has an unbeaten record of 15-0.

He is one of the finest mixed martial artist in the world today.

In just a few fights in ONE Championship, Askren was able to seize the ONE welterweight world title with a technical knockout victory over Japan’s Nobutatsu Suzuki, and managed to defend his belt against Russian Nikolay Aleksakhin.

The highly-skilled American wrestler is also widely considered to be the absolute best in his division and one of the best fighters in the world pound-for-pound.

Agilan and Askren have been exchanging verbal barbs on social media since Feb after the former called for the shot after obtaining his seventh win.