“I want to right those wrongs” - Amir Aliakbari seeks to reset his ONE Championship career

Rising ONE heavyweight Amir Aliakbari is fresh off securing his biggest win to date. He's now focused on continuing to right the wrongs of his early struggles.

Commendably, Aliakbari's faith in himself never wavered, despite being knocked out in the first round of both of his first two appearances inside the circle. Since then, the Iranian powerhouse has rattled off two straight stoppage victories, including a recent opening-round finish over former champion Brandon Vera.

In his ONE Championship 164 post-fight interview, Aliakbari detailed who he'd like to face next:

"I started off bad and there’s a lot of reasons for that. I want to right those wrongs. Kang Ji Won and [Anatoly] Malykhin. Those two, if not Arjan Bhullar. Where are you, Kang Ji Won? Come and see me."

Watch Amir Aliakbari's full ONE 164 post-fight interview inside the circle below:

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Amir Aliakbari recalls early struggles in ONE Championship

Few fighters have been pinned up against tougher opponents in their first two bouts than Aliakbari was. He was tasked with facing back-to-back unbeaten foes in Ji Won Kang and Anatoly Malykhin.

Not only that, but the 34-year-old has had numerous fights canceled for various reasons over the past few years. He told the promotion:

“Many people don’t know that during the time of COVID, I had eight fights canceled. I came to Singapore numerous times and had to fly back without fights because the fight would get canceled and the venue would get canceled. I went through a lot of difficulties, but that’s all in the past now. Right now, I’m ready to go and right the wrongs.”

Aliakbari has kept his chin up through adversity and he's still looking to right the wrongs of his early days under ONE's banner. The massive heavyweight has his eyes set on the division's titleholder, Arjan Bhullar.

However, Bhullar will likely take on interim champion Anatoly Malykhin upon returning from injury. Still, one more victory will likely earn Aliakbari the coveted title shot.

Be sure to check back for an announcement regarding Amir Aliakbari's next bout, as it will surely be against one of the top heavyweights on ONE's roster.