Motivated by Historic ONE 166 Card in Qatar, Arjan Bhullar Ready to Move Past Devastating Loss in His Last Fight

Published 01/10/2024, 5:53 AM EST

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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

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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.

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“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.”

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.

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“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.”

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

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Written by:

Sushant Sharma

920Articles

One take at a time

I am a 24-year-old MMA enthusiast and a UFC Writer at EssentiallySports. My passion for mixed martial arts has been a significant part of my life for over five years. Having previously trained in boxing, I developed a deep appreciation for combat sports.
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Edited by:

Yeswanth Praveen