Former ONE Heavyweight MMA World Champion Arjan “Singh” Bhullar is looking forward to a hero’s welcome when he returns to action at ONE 166: Qatar. On March 1, the 37-year-old wrestling sensation will square off with surging Iranian knockout artist Amir Aliakbari, live from the Lusail Sports Arena.

That much-anticipated clash of titans will be Bhullar’s first appearance since losing his World Title against current kingpin Anatoly “Sladkiy” Maylkhin last June at ONE Friday Fights 22. For the Indian-Canadian superstar, the bout represents his chance to bounce back into the win column against a supremely dangerous opponent– and to do it all on ONE’s historic debut in Qatar.

Arjan Bhullar has an audience to please

Because Indians make up roughly one-quarter of the Middle Eastern nation’s population, “Singh” expects legions of his compatriots to come out and show their support on March 1. He said:

“There’s a huge community and population of Indians in Qatar. I’m very, very excited to meet with them. It’s going to be a huge motivation. It’s going to feel like a home arena, a home event.” Bhullar has plenty of respect for Aliakbari, who is widely regarded as one of Iran’s best-ever combat sports athletes.

The Greco-Roman wrestling powerhouse has won three in a row, all by knockout, to earn his crack at the former titleholder. “Singh” readily admits that his foe has plenty of momentum behind him and is sure to also enjoy the support of a raucous Middle Eastern crowd.

But ultimately, Bhullar says he’s ready to tune out his opponent’s fans, embrace his own supporters, and make Indians proud with an impressive showing at ONE 166: “We’ve got the Iranian coming in, and he thinks he’s going to do what he’s going to do.”

‘Singh’ expects great support

“But with the support of my people, I will feel that energy, and I hope they come to enjoy the event and enjoy the ONE show because I do hope we go back there again in the coming year. And I hope to make them proud and thank them for all the support.” said Bhullar.

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Now, all that remains is seeing if he gets to deliver on his promises. A large supporting crowd is one thing, and feeling the energy and expressing it with performance is yet another. Will Bhullar be able to take down his talented opponent with grace? We’ll find out at ONE 166.

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