MMAPlus spoke exclusively with UFC newcomer Makwan Amirkhani ahead of UFC on Fox 14 where he faces English veteran Andy Ogle in a featherweight contest at the Tele2 Arena in Stockholm, Sweden.
For those who aren’t already familiar with the laid back ‘Mr Finland’, Amirkhani (10-2) may soon live long in the memory as his UFC debut approaches. With a sharply dressed, ultra confident demeanor, he uses no more words than what he feels is necessary, and told MMAPlus exactly why he feels the UFC needs his presence.
“There are a lot of princes in this business, but they need the king, so I’m here for that.”
Amirkhani is aware that not everyone appreciates his flamboyant image; with eight first round submission wins to his name, the self proclaimed ‘king’ can be seen walking to the cage donning a crown and rob while grasping a scepter, but explained this is all part of the plan as his victories are highlighted by an attitude that stands out from the crowd.
“People say that I don’t belong here. I have my own haters, so I love being here. I’m feeling ready, calm, I’m going to show everybody why I belong here.
“Everybody has their own haters, but mine are because of who I am even though I have eight first round wins.
“They think the guy in the cage is the same guy where I live in the streets. This is something different, you just need to be different from other fighters.”
While Amirkhani is set to step inside the UFC octagon for the first time, Tyneside native Andy Ogle (9-5) will be competing in his fifth UFC contest. Ogle has found it tough to catch a break in the UFC having been matched against a series of high quality opponents. ‘The Little Axe’ lost a debatable split-decision to Akira Corassani in his 2012 UFC debut, but went on to best WEC veteran Josh Grispi in his second UFC fight before losing consecutively to Cole Miller, Charles Oliveira, and Maximo Blanco.
Known for his tremendous heart, Ogle has his back against the wall and is doing everything he can to ensure a victorious performance; however, Amirkhani expects to bring an end to his opponent on January 24.
“I will send him home, this will be the last fight of Andy Ogle’s career in the UFC so you guys need to say goodbye to him.
Check out the full interview below:
Photo by Jorden Curran
