He now boasts a 9-2 pro-MMA document, with 4 of these wins coming since his ONE Championship debut in 2018. On that day he bought individuals’s consideration when he starched Timofey Nastyukhin inside two minutes – their rematch three years later would win ONE’s Struggle of the Yr award – and as soon as once more it was Dagi who got here out on prime.
All the time a harmful determine within the light-weight division, Arslanaliev has solely misplaced in ONE MMA to Christian Lee, and he now finds himself up towards the hardy Roberto Soldic, seeking to knock on Champion Lee’s door as soon as once more.
And whereas respecting his German opponent, Arslaniev does see a lot to fret him forward of their ONE 171: Qatar bout on the Lusail Area subsequent week.
“Perhaps Soldic is a really powerful man, however I haven’t seen something notably harmful from him,” he stated. “I’ll simply work arduous and see how issues go. I don’t actually focus an excessive amount of on his strengths or weaknesses—I simply do my job.”
Soldic has dropped down a weight class to take this struggle – however for Arslanaliev, this has no bearing on the result.
“It doesn’t matter what weight he’s at. Once we step into the cage, it’s simply him and me. His supporters and mine keep exterior. Whether or not he strikes up or down, it gained’t have an effect on the struggle.
The Turkish fighter has employed no particular coaching for Soldic – simply his typical pre-fight marketing campaign, and a readiness to take issues deep within the struggle – giving the group what they’ve come to anticipate from this explosive fighter.
“I’m making ready within the typical method, simply as I at all times put together for a great opponent. I want to give attention to my boxing specifically.
“I can’t predict what’s going to occur within the struggle, and I gained’t make any statements as a result of I don’t know the way issues will unfold. My plan is straightforward: to work off my opponent, capitalize on his errors, and maintain energetic the entire time. If the end comes early, I’ll do my finest to make it occur.
For me, it will be higher to take the struggle to the later rounds. That method, when my opponent tires, I can present one thing particular for the viewers.”
Talking of that viewers, Arslanaliev can sit up for some boisterous assist on the Lusail Area as he fights on Center East soil for the primary time.
“I’m very happy to have the prospect to struggle within the Center East and for individuals to fly in and watch,” he stated.
“This can be my first struggle in Qatar, and I’m excited to fulfill the Qatari viewers.
“To my followers around the globe: after a very long time, I’m again within the cage. I’m able to showcase the total arsenal of expertise I’ve constructed up through the years.”
You possibly can watch Dagi Arslanaliev and Roberto Soldic collide at ONE 171: Qatar, which takes place on Thursday February twentieth at 5pm Mecca on the Lusail Sports activities Area in Qatar. For ticket info, click on right here. Alternatively, you’ll be able to watch the occasion reside on BeIn Sports activities or at watch.onefc.com.