UFC head honcho Dana White has always been a firm believer in giving talented fighters a chance through his Dana White’s Contender Series. Following that path last year was Turkish sensation Ibo Aslan, who earned his spot in the UFC after making waves on the regional circuits. His first win against Paulo Renato Jr. opened the door to the UFC, and he did not make Dana White and company regret their decision.

In his debut UFC fight, he knocked out his opponent, Anton Turkalj, in a stunning display, sending him into the shadow realm. Now eager to replicate his previous performance in upcoming matchups, Aslan is determined to solidify his status in the UFC, living up to his nickname ‘The Last Ottoman.’ While there are many aspects to discuss about this rising light heavyweight, fans are most intrigued by his moniker. So, without further delay, let’s dive into the story behind the name.

What is the meaning behind Ibo Aslan’s nickname, ‘The Last Ottoman’?

Ibo Aslan is one of the fighters who has recently made his mark in the UFC, hailing from Türkiye, a land where the Ottoman Empire once thrived. Modern Türkiye is considered the successor state to the Ottoman Empire, which lasted from 1299 to 1922. The Ottoman Empire was a powerful Islamic monarchy that extended its reach across Southeastern Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, thriving for centuries.

However, it came to an end after World War I, ushering in a wave of reforms and the establishment of a new political system. For some, like light heavyweight contender Ibo Aslan, that period is romanticized as a golden age. This is likely why Aslan adopted the moniker “The Last Ottoman,” conjuring the image of a fearless warrior—a title he proudly displays, often showcasing the Turkish flag on his social media.

More about Ibo Aslan’s life and MMA record

Although Ibo Aslan has represented his homeland Türkiye throughout his fight history, he honed his skills while living in Europe, specifically Austria, where he began his professional MMA journey in the Austrian Fight Challenge in 2016. Known for his knockout power, ‘The Last Ottoman’ started strong and has now racked up around 13 knockouts.

Initially, Aslan wasn’t focused on MMA; he tried his hand at various sports like soccer and boxing but didn’t find a fit until he discovered MMA. In a candid moment, Aslan recalled, “I started training for fighting at the age of 18. Before that, I used to play soccer, but I was looking for an individual sport where I could rely on myself. So I started with boxing, but it became boring, so I switched to MMA.”

During his time competing in the Austrian FC and other regional circuits, Aslan secured several championships, including the WFMC World Championship and the AFC Austrian Championship. Throughout his tough journey, he has always looked up to his hero, Gokhan Saki, for inspiration in overcoming challenges.

All eyes are now on the upcoming UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi, where Turkish powerhouse Ibo Aslan will look to continue his knockout journey in MMA as he faces Raffael Cerqueira, who is coming off a loss in the promotion. Who are you rooting for— ‘The Last Ottoman’ or Cerqueira? Drop your opinion below!