There are a lot at stake come Conquest of Champions.
For starters, Brandon Vera looks to prove to the world that he is far from done when he returns to the cage after a two-year layoff. On the other hand, his opponent Mauro Cerilli will figure in the biggest bout in Italian MMA history.
For his part, Eduard Folayang hopes to cap his redemption tour by securing Team Lakay’s fourth championship of the year.
But his opponent is going to be backed by an entire nation.
Amir Khan, who is just 24 years young, looks to become the first homegrown Singaporean to win a world title.
“Winning the title would make me the first homegrown Singaporean to win a world championship. And it will be a reflection of all the hard work I’ve been putting in over the past decade,” he shared.
“Being a World Champion is a big deal, and I hope for it to allow martial arts to gain more recognition in Singapore.”
Khan’s journey began with a loss back in February of 2014. Since then, he has worked his way up, starting off as Evolve MMA’s project before turning himself into one of its elite fighters.
Moreover, he has become an inspiration to the youth.
“Winning the world title would give young athletes more confidence, as it proves that a feat like this is within reach and definitely attainable with hard work and commitment.”
Come Friday night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, he will be the Philippines’ public enemy number one as he will be the last step in Folayang’s climb back to the top.
But he refuses to let Folayang and the hostile crowd get in the way of his and his country’s dreams.
“I have all due respect for Folayang, he is a great martial artist. But I am coming for the title.
“I’ve worked extremely hard on my game since the beginning of my career, and I am one hundred percent confident of becoming world champion,” he shared. “Winning that title means everything to me. Me and my coach, we have a solid game plan for this fight. The odds may be stacked against me.
“I’m fighting the hometown hero, but I won’t let it affect my performance.”
