ONE 164: Pacio vs Brooks hits our screens this weekend, stay from Manila. On the cardboard is a extremely anticipated heavyweight conflict between Iran’s Amir Aliakbari and Brandon Vera – listed here are 5 the reason why that is one it is advisable to watch
Aliakbari is an actual prospect in ONE and has the instruments to be a serious drive within the heavyweight division. This former Greco-Roman wrestling world champion is 11-3 in blended martial arts, with arguably the most important struggle of his life developing this weekend – now could be the time to get behind, and help this Center East monster.
A struggle years within the making
Ever since signing for ONE in 2019, Aliakbari has needed to check himself in opposition to the previous world champion Vera. The Filipino-American has been within the sport for greater than twenty years, having fought in organisations the world over, and taking up among the finest fighters to have ever lived. Even at 45 years previous, this might be an enormous win for the Iranian.
A present of energy
At six foot three inches tall and nearly 120kg, Aliakbari is a mountain of a person – and to see him in motion actually is one thing else. His wrestling background provides him the power to throw individuals round like ragdolls, with a stage of energy that’s laborious to imagine. Couple this with the power to finish fights rapidly and you’ve got a really entertaining fighter.
An opportunity to shine for Amir
The heavyweight division is in a state of flux in the meanwhile, Anatoliy Malykhin holds the interim title, whereas champion Arjan Bhullar has been sidelined since April 2021, so the title scene and high of the division is considerably clouded. Aliakbari would like to get revenge on Malykhin after a defeat in September final 12 months, and a win on Saturday may very well be simply what’s wanted to get his title talked about among the many large weapons.
The final likelihood to see a champion?
Whereas this can be a enormous night time for Aliakbari, it is usually pivotal within the profession of Vera. At 45 he might imagine a win right here provides him yet one more tilt on the title, whereas a defeat might see him go away his gloves within the cage on the finish of the night time. What occurs on Saturday is unclear however you don’t need to miss one other enormous night time within the lifetime of the previous ONE champion.
ONE 164: Pacio vs. Brooks takes place Saturday December 3 2.30pm GST on the Mall Of Asia Enviornment, Manila. That is an occasion to not be missed so mark your calendars, obtain the ONE Tremendous App, and go to observe.onefc.com now!