Ahmed “Wolverine” Mujtaba recognizes the rare opportunity that awaits him in his next outing, and the grappling expert hopes to show up and deliver the goods at ONE Fight Night 10: Johnson vs. Moraes III.
The Pakistani MMA star collides with “Super” Sage Northcutt at ONE’s on-ground debut event in North America, broadcasting live from the 1stBank Center in Denver, Colorado on Friday, May 5.
Both contenders are fighting for a spot in the lightweight raking of the division, so Mujtaba knows how important a win over Northcutt would be in order for him to inch closer to the upper echelon of the charts.
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With that “Wolverine” expects his foe to be competing with something to prove. However, he has just as much on the line.
The 30-year-old said:
“He’s going to be hungry because last time he got knocked out. Plus, he’s going to be afraid as well. I’m not an easy guy to fight against because I need the win as well, because I’m hungry for the win, too. I’m coming from a very rough situation.
“I’m coming from a very rough part. So, I don’t want to lose at any cost. Like, no matter if my life is gone, I’m ready to give my life for this. I have to win at any cost.”
A competitive force between the two
Mujtaba enters this bout with positive momentum. The AKA and KAKS representative has finished each of his last two opponents inside the opening round – by one knockout and submission apiece.
With four wins from six thrilling bouts inside the Circle, Mujtaba is well on his way to causing a stir within the lightweight rankings.
Meanwhile, his rival, Northcutt, enters this bout looking for redemption.
In his debut and sole promotional appearance in May 2019, “Super” was knocked out cold by Cosmo “Good Boy” Alexandre in 29 seconds.
Ahmed Mujtaba is not afraid whatsoever
With a hunger to show fans that he’s still one of the top lightweights in the division, Mujtaba acknowledges that he could be mingling with a very dangerous version of Northcutt in Colorado.
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However, the Pakistani athlete believes he will have the edge over the karate specialist, and he does not want to worry too much about what Northcutt brings to the table.
He added:
“Sage is a nice guy. Of course, he might be hungry for his comeback. He might be well prepared. But you know I’m in this game, and I don’t fall too simply, and I’m ready for this.
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“And as far as I’m concerned, with Sage, I don’t care whatever his attacks, whatever his plans would be, I’m ready with the answers.”