Amir Khan approaching next bout with a huge chip on his shoulder

This Friday, 22 November, Singaporean superstar Amir Khan wants to show the whole world what he’s made of. He wants to remind fans just how dangerous of a lightweight he truly is.

The Singaporean athlete returns to the Circle to square off with Malaysian-Kiwi powerhouse Ev “E.T.” Ting at ONE: EDGE OF GREATNESS. He wants to make a case as still one of the top contenders in ONE Championship. The bout will be held at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

The 25-year-old admits to having a difficult year. He believes he could have performed much better in the ONE Lightweight World Grand Prix. That’s why he is hoping to end the year on a high note by beating another top lightweight in Ting.

“It’s not really a big story. One or two years ago, we wanted to fight each other and we were supposed to fight each other, but things didn’t happen. So recently, I just thought it would make perfect sense for us to fight each other,” Khan said of the opportunity to face Ting.

“Among anyone else in the division, I think we both make a good match-up. He commented [on Instagram] that he would like to face me and then I just replied, ‘Yeah, why not?’ After that, [the matchmakers] sent out the contract.”

Khan feels the tremendous pressure of defending his honor and proving himself worthy after a painful set of losses. Both Khan and Ting were present in the ONE Lightweight World Grand Prix but neither advanced.

“I want to prove that I belong because right now, I’m coming off a losing streak, so a lot of people are doubting me. Not only to everyone, but I just want to prove to myself that I am a top-level [mixed martial artist], and I can come back and rise again,” said Khan.

“I would be looking at what happens after the fight like I’m going to celebrate, I want to win, and how I feel after the fight. I was focusing on that instead of the fight itself.”

Of course, Khan has done his homework on Ting, who offers a different set of challenges. He’s ready for whatever Ting brings to the table.

“For me, as a ranged fighter, I need to keep the range throughout the fight because he is good at closing the distance. It’s good to practice and test myself against such a fighter in such situations.”

Khan will need to do well in front of his home fans

“I haven’t fully mastered my range, so I feel it will be a good test for me to challenge myself against someone like Ev Ting because he is one of the best guys in the lightweight division to get in close to people.”

Training with the World Champions at Evolve MMA, Khan continues to hone his skills on a daily basis. He and his team have come up with what they believe is a solid strategy against Ting.

“I won’t tell you what I’m working on, but I’m just going to be in positions that he is not comfortable at — not just in striking, but overall mixed martial arts. My game plan is just to make him uncomfortable,” said Khan.

As a record-holder for most knockout wins in ONE Championship, Khan’s bouts have no doubt ended early. This time, however, he wants time to show fans the skills he’s been working on.

“I want to have one or two rounds with him and showcase my skills throughout,” said Khan.

“I just need to be patient, not rush to anything, and not use too much energy for no reason other than to display my skills at the best level. I will still go for the finish, but I’m not thinking about it. I’m sure I will get it, but I am not really too focused on that. I am just focused on displaying my skills.”