Pakistan’s biggest mixed martial arts star eyes win

MMA fighter Bashir Ahmed faces Egypt’s Mahmoud Mohamed in Myanmar today

KARACHI: Pakistan’s biggest mixed martial arts star Bashir Ahmed will be hoping to snap a two-fight losing streak today when he takes on Egypt’s Mahmoud Mohamed in a One Championship featherweight bout at Thuwunna Indoor Stadium in Yangon, Myanmar.

The 33-year-old Bashir had compiled a respectable 3-1 record in ONE Championship — Asia’s biggest MMA promotion — before two straight defeats somewhat blemished his record.

However, the first of his two defeats — against Amir Khan — came via a doctor stoppage, while he was caught by a lucky punch by Jimmy Yabo in the follow-up bout earlier this year.



In order to avoid any such repeats, Bashir has had a full four-week training camp in Thailand, and is confident of getting back to winning ways.

“The training camp has been excellent. I feel good, and even though in Mohamed I will be facing a very aggressive and athletically gifted fighter, I am confident in my own ability,” Bashir told The Express Tribune.

“My opponent’s record is the same as mine with three wins and three losses. His background is in wrestling and kickboxing, which is why I would look to take the fight to the ground and submit him,” he added.



But even if the bout doesn’t go to the ground, Bashir feels he has honed his skills so much and is so well prepared that he will finish off his opponent one way or another.

The fight will take place at 5pm PST today and will be broadcast live on FOX Sport, ESPN as well as onefc.com.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 7^th, 2016.

Like Sports on Facebook, follow @ETribuneSports on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.