Turkey’s blossoming combat sports scene could have a superstar emerging.
29-year-old Halil Amir will return to the ONE arena at ONE Fight Night 16 on November 4, ready to once again put his unbeaten record on the line, as he continues to climb the ladder towards a title shot.
An MMA professional since 2016, his career rocketed from 2019 onwards and he now holds an impressive 9-0 record. Having seen off all challenges before him in Europe and the Middle East, Amir made his ONE debut a little over a year ago with an impressive second-round stoppage of Timofey Nastyukhin.
He followed that up with a decision win over Maurice Abevi, and now is looking to further enhance his position in the ONE lightweight MMA class with a win over Pakistan’s Ahmed Mujtaba.
“This is the next step to the fight for the belt,” says Amir. “If you compare Ahmed with my last two opponents, they are completely different. I wouldn’t say Ahmed is strong in one certain aspect, but he knows a little bit of everything. He will try to brawl with me. We will be ready for anything, and yes, it will definitely be a good fight. I advise you not to blink.
“As always, my plan is to go out there and put in a beautiful and spectacular fight.”
Amir, who has won eight of his nine MMA bouts by stoppage, has big plans for the coming years – but is also willing to be patient in order to get what he wants.
“I want to become the undefeated ONE Lightweight MMA World Champion, and then drop down to featherweight, fight for that belt, and become a double champion.”
So, does a win at ONE Fight Night 16 get him a title shot?
“I don’t know what plans ONE has for the lightweight division,” Amir said. “I need to get past Ahmed first and then we’ll see. I’m always ready.”
Aside from his challenges in the ring, Amir is set to take on possibly his biggest challenge to date soon – that of fatherhood – it’s a daunting one, but one what his motivating his career too.
“We are expecting and I cannot wait for this day,” he explained. “Family life has naturally had a positive impact. My wife supports me no matter the circumstances. The fact that we will soon be parents is a big responsibility, and it motivates me more to win and make money. I advise everyone to start a family.”
ONE Fight Night 16 comes live from the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium, Thailand on Saturday October 28 Fight fans in the MENA region can watch action BeINSPORTS from 3.00am MECCA, or on watch.onefc.com
