Amir Khan Replaces Ariel Sexton In Lightweight World Grand Prix

Singapore mixed martial artist Amir Khan with his dad, Tajudeen, in his corner

Saygid “Dagi” Guseyn Arslanaliev has a new opponent for his ONE Lightweight World Grand Prix semi-final match at ONE: ENTER THE DRAGON.

The Turkish finishing machine was scheduled to face Ariel “Tarzan” Sexton at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, but the Costa Rican submission specialist had to withdraw due to a broken arm.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bwo3gLbFw0X/

Instead, “The Lion City’s” own Amir Khan will step up to fill the void and challenge the 24-year-old mixed martial arts powerhouse on Friday, 17 May.

Khan is no stranger to high-profile matches – the Evolve representative challenged for the ONE Lightweight World Title in the main event of ONE: CONQUEST OF CHAMPIONS last November – so he had no hesitation in accepting a bout against one of The Home Of Martial Arts’ most dangerous competitors.

All of “Dagi’s” victories as a professional athlete have come by way of stoppage, and only one of those came outside the first round.

The Azerbaijan No-Gi Grappling Champion booked his place in the second stage of the World Grand Prix with a 25-second knockout of Ev “E.T.” Ting in the quarter-finals.

Turkish superstar "Dagi" Arslanaliev takes out Ev Ting with a THUNDEROUS TKO just 25 seconds into Round 1 to advance in the ONE Lightweight World Grand Prix!

Turkish superstar Saygid "Dagi" Arslanaliev takes out Ev Ting with a THUNDEROUS TKO just 25 seconds into Round 1 to advance in the ONE Lightweight World Grand Prix!Watch the full event on the ONE Super App 👉 http://bit.ly/ONESuperApp | TV: Check local listings for global broadcast

Posted by ONE Championship on Friday, February 22, 2019

His new opponent is also renowned for his finishing prowess. Khan has earned all but one of his 11 victories inside the distance, including eight by knockout – a record on the global stage for martial arts.

Given these warriors’ histories, it would be safe to bet that this match will not go the judges’ scorecards on 17 May.

The winner will move on to face either Lowen Tynanes or Timofey Nastyukhin, who will face off on the other side of the tournament bracket in the coming months.

More in News

Freddie Haggerty Kaoklai Chor Hapayak ONE Friday Fights 91 44
Nico Carrillo Saemapetch Fairtex ONE Fight Night 23 22
Tawanchai PK Saenchai Superbon Singha Mawynn ONE Friday Fights 46 24
Johan Estupinan Zakaria El Jamari ONE Fight Night 25 31
Jonathan Haggerty Superlek Kiatmoo9 ONE 168 91
Puengluang Baanramba Akif Guluzada ONE Friday Fights 94 33
Puengluang vs. Akif Guluzada OFF94 Faceoffs
Nabil Anane Soe Lin Oo ONE Friday Fights 81 30
Fabricio Andrade lands a jab flush on Kwon Won II at ONE 158
Yodlekpet Or Atchariya Puengluang Baanramba ONE Friday Fights 85 14
Tawanchai PK Saenchai Superbon Singha Mawynn ONE Friday Fights 46 91
Denice Zamboanga Alyona Rassohyna ONE Fight Night 27 76