Arjan Bhullar is looking forward to stepping into action at ONE Championship’s biggest event of the first half of 2024. On March 1, the former heavyweight MMA king is set to take on Iranian powerhouse Amir Aliakbari at ONE 166.

The event takes place in Qatar, inside the Lusail Sports Arena. Further, it will be the organization’s first in the Middle East, and Bhullar is excited about the doors it will open.

Arjan Bhullar excited to fight in Qatar

Speaking to ONE Championship, the Indian-Canadian star said that mounting a card in Qatar is a step in the right direction for ONE, considering the sports spectacles that have taken place in the country.

“Qatar can be massive. We have seen what the Saudis have done with the Saudi season and having lots of sports there. Obviously, Abu Dhabi as well, especially with MMA, Formula One, and all that. I think Qatar is the next logical step,” he said.

“I think they’re poised after the [FIFA] World Cup to really launch and take off. And I love that ONE has hooked up with them. I hope there’s many more events and many opportunities for athletes to fight on their cards.”

Read More – Arjan Bhullar Banking on Indian Support in Qatar Against Amir Aliakbari

Bhullar last competed in June, where he lost out on unifying the ONE Heavyweight MMA World Title to then-interim titleholder Anatoly Malykhin, who handed him the first knockout loss of his career.

Arjan Bhullar finds new motivation!

While he was devastated by the defeat, the 37-year-old wrestling star found fresh motivation for his upcoming bout, due to the enormity and significance of the event it will feature at.

“I’m very, very excited. Qatar’s an amazing place. Of course, they have [organized] the FIFA World Cup, and they’ve got a huge Indian community there and following, so it makes a lot of sense to come back on this card,” Bhullar said.

“I’m excited again. Life’s a journey. It’s a life experience to go out there and be in Qatar. I don’t know if I will ever go back again in my life, so I’m going to enjoy that. But everything is much better when you win. I’m so excited to be there, meet the people out there and the fans, and I’m also excited to win.”

Read More – “I Want Him Out, I Want Him Gone” – Arjan Bhullar Opined His KO Victory Over Anatoly Malykhin Might Get Grander Due to the Two-Year Delay

Do you think he can get back to winning ways and grab that title once again? Let us know in the comments below.