Exclusive: Rahul Raju is full of confidence ahead of ONE: Reign of Dynasties

Indian MMA star Rahul Raju is all set to make his ONE Championship return at ONE: Reign of Dynasties on October 9, 2020, in Singapore in what could be termed as one of the biggest fights of his career.

The Kerala Krusher will be going up against former title challenger Amir Khan at the event and will be looking to improve on a two-fight winning streak that he is currently riding on. While training for a fight amidst the COVID-19 pandemic has been something new for everyone, Rahul notes that he had an excellent camp.

Rahul Raju: We had a great five-week camp which went very well. I had been training prior to that as well and was in good shape. There were some limitations due to COVID-19 but it was not a big issue since the numbers were a bit less in Singapore.

In fact, he was rearing to compete and had a feeling that he was going to cross paths with Amir Khan at one point or the other.

Rahul Raju: I was expecting this fight to happen for some time. But I did not know when this was going to happen. But I had this feeling that I was going to fight Amir Khan and I’m happy that it is finally happening

Amir Khan is one of the biggest stars in ONE Championship. A former Title challenger, he comes into the fight on the back of a defeat against Kimihiro Eto and will be looking to get back to winning ways. Rahul, however, feels that he has enough ammunition to neutralize Amir and get a win.

Rahul Raju: Amir Khan is a well-rounded fighter but I’m confident about having a dominant fight against him. It is going to be a good fight and a good victory. Knockout artist means he is a counter-striker. Normally, counter-strikers have many knockouts since they wait for the counter and execute it. I will be extremely beware of the same. I hope to take him down and finish the fight. That would be the game plan. So let’s see.

Fighting out of Juggernaut Fight Club in Singapore, Rahul adds that it could be the biggest win of his career

Rahul Raju: This will be the most important win in my life. I have trained that much for this fight. There have been no mistakes in this camp. It has been perfect. I’m in my best shape. My skill set is perfect. I know he is a high-level fighter but I’m very confident about this fight. After this fight, I think I might get a title shot after one or two wins. But that is not my aim at this point. I know I will get a shot at the title. Next year, I’m going to get a title shot. It will come and I’ll take it when it comes.

Also on the card is Roshan Mainam who will be going up against China’s Liu Peng Shuai. Rahul notes that he is looking forward to seeing Roshan in action and feels confident that his fellow Indian will get a win at the event. Coming back to his fight, Rahul hopes to make a positive impact on the Indian MMA scene by securing a win.

Rahul Raju: I believe that it will be a positive impact on the Indian MMA scene if I win this fight. I want to see more Indian MMA fighters in ONE Championship and I hope I can serve as a motivation for them. I just want to prove that Indian fighters can dominate World Level fighters and I see this fight as a way to prove that point.

When concluding, Rahul urged everyone to tune into the fight on October 9 and had the following to say.

Rahul Raju: Support our Indian fighters and youngsters. When Fight promotions come to India, go see the fights, buy tickets.

ONE: Reign of Dynasties will be live in India on October 9, 2020, at 6:00 PM IST on Hotstar and Star Sports Select.

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