'New and improved' Agilan ready to face whatever challenge

Malaysian mixed martial arts (MMA) sensation Agilan Thani is ready to face whatever challenges that awaits him upon his return to the ONE Championship Circle, next month.

The 23-year-old Kuala Lumpur lad will be co-headlining the ONE: LEGENDARY QUEST this June 15 in Shanghai, China against Japanese veteran Yoshihiro 'Sexyama' Akiyama.

Agilan, who has fought quite a number of the world's toughest opponents seemed calmer, stronger, more composed and more mentally-prepared than ever when met at a training session at Monarchy MMA Gym on Thursday.

“I have prepared very well and made some adjustments to my camp. Right now, I feel at a hundred percent and very healthy. I’m coming back stronger than ever before.

"I want to make my fans in Malaysia and all over the world proud, so I’ve worked very hard to improve all aspects of my game. Most importantly, my confidence right now is extremely high," he said.

The former ONE Welterweight world title challenger has gone through weeks of vigorous training at Bali MMA in Indonesia, and Monarchy MMA in preparation for this upcoming bout.

"I know I’m going to take on a legend in Yoshihiro Akiyama, but I’m ready to face whatever challenges he brings to the table.

"I don’t expect his fight to be easy, but I promise I’m going to be the best version of Agilan Thani possible on fight night,” he said.

With a MMA record of 9-3, Agilan captured the Malaysia Invasion (MIMMA) amateur championship title before turning professional, winning six bouts in a row on the global stage of ONE Championship to earn a shot at Ben Askren’s coveted title.

However, this time Agilan revealed he would not be rushing for a second title shot, and prefers to wait when the opportunity comes.