SAYGID 'Dagi' Guseyn Arslanaliev is one of the hardest hitters in ONE Championship’s lightweight division, and he needs to put on a career-defining performance at ONE: CENTURY PART I in Tokyo, Japan.
The Azerbaijan No Gi Grappling Champion describes his clash against Eddie 'The Underground King' Alvarez as a special moment, and he hopes that both of them give the fans an unforgettable battle inside the Ryogoku Kokugikan on Sunday, 13 October.
“I hope it will be one of the most spectacular shows I have ever been a part of. The ONE production team can put on some great shows, so I hope this one will be real fireworks,” the 24-year-old athlete described ahead of the ONE Lightweight World Grand Prix Championship Final.
“I am following the media build-up of our fight, and it makes me a bit nervous. But mostly, it puts me in the right mood. I can’t wait for the big day to come. I want to fight.”
Though he admits that he feels the nerves, fans know that they can always expect a highlight-reel performance from the Turkish grappler.
Arslanaliev needed only 25 seconds to eliminate Malaysia’s Ev Ting from the Grand Prix in the quarterfinals.
In the Grand Prix semifinals at ONE: ENTER THE DRAGON in May, he became the first man to knockout Singapore’s Amir Khan.
With the aim to best those two performances, the man from Istanbul returned to Dagestan, the place that brings out the best version of himself.
“This time, I am getting ready in my homeland, in Dagestan [in Russia], where I have the support of my close friends,” he said. “I feel more focused here.”
“When I’m in Dagestan, I feel calmer. I feel more grounded. Maybe this is that place of power for me. I feel no stress. I train and I ride horses in my spare time,” he added.
Will it be another quick night out for the hard-hitting Turkish star, or will Alvarez achieve his own martial arts dream in Tokyo, Japan?
Find out on 13 October by downloading the ONE Super App.
With 28 World Champions featured across various martial arts, ONE: CENTURY will be the single biggest World Championship martial arts event in history. No organization has ever attempted to throw a double-header spectacle of this sort.
Astro Awani
Tue Sep 17 2019
Saygid describes his clash against Eddie 'The Underground King' Alvarez as a special moment. - Instagram pic/@saygidgusen13
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.