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MMA: Iranian bruiser makes ONE debut with end goal of dethroning Brandon Vera

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<p>Iranian heavyweight Amir Aliakbari isn’t lacking in confidence, particularly when it comes to a potential showdown with ONE heavyweight champion Brandon Vera. </p><p>Aliakbari, who called out Vera when he signed with the ONE Championship promotion, debuts against Korea&#x27;s Kang Ji Won at the previously recorded ONE: Fists of Fury II, which airs this Friday.</p><p>The Iranian promised to “brutally smash” Vera the moment they face each other in the cage and an impressive win over Kang could put him in that position.</p><p>“I have come to the division, to ONE Championship, to be the champion. It is my belt. I’m ready to fight Brandon Vera tomorrow,” Aliakbari said.</p><p>“I believe Brandon Vera is not ready to fight me, so I’ve asked ONE Championship to line up fights for me. I want the title. I want the championship belt.” </p><ul class="op-related-articles">	<li><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/12/21/20/mma-brandon-vera-to-focus-on-heavyweight-division-in-2021">MMA: Brandon Vera to focus on heavyweight division in 2021</a></li></ul><p>The Greco-Roman Wrestling champion’s confidence is certainly warranted. He comes into ONE with a 10-1 record and 70 percent finishing rate. </p><p>However, he needs to be extra careful against his Korean foe because Kang recently scored a TKO win over Aliakbari’s teammate, Mehdi Barghi, last month. </p><p>Still, Aliakbari believes that he’s levels above his competition. </p><p>“I am the most experienced, I’ve had the most fights, I’m the strongest, I’m mentally the toughest, and I am confidently saying that I’m the best fighter in this division, and I’m here to wipe out the whole division,” Aliakbari said. </p><p>“I know the fight won’t go to a decision. It’s going to be a knockout. It will be an easy fight. I’ve come to ONE Championship and this division to do really big things. </p><p>“Not only do I want to be the best heavyweight in ONE Championship, but I want to be the best heavyweight around the world, so I’m ready and I’m excited for this fight.” </p><div><strong>FROM THE ARCHIVES:</strong></div><figure class="op-interactive"><iframe height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/k_soqFrEX_0?enablejsapi=1" width="560"></iframe></figure><div class="iwantbar">Watch more in <a href="//www.iwantv.com.ph/">iWantv</a> or <a href="//tfc.tv/">TFC.tv</a></div>

<p>Amir Aliakbari isn’t lacking in confidence, particularly when it comes to a potential showdown with ONE heavyweight champion Brandon Vera. </p>

Amir Aliakbari isn’t lacking in confidence, particularly when it comes to a potential showdown with ONE heavyweight champion Brandon Vera.