Heavyweight fighter Arjan Bhullar. ONE CHAMPIONSHIP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — No. 1 contender Arjan Bhullar is fully aware of what he’s up against when he challenges Brandon Vera for the ONE heavyweight world title.
But Bhullar knows he’s not the only one who should have something to worry about heading into that impending clash.
“His strengths are clear. He has a tremendous amount of experience and has seen all the different looks a fighter can see in the cage. He can fight out of both stances, going forward and backward. He is well-rounded everywhere, and has excellent Muay Thai. That has allowed him to finish every single heavyweight threat he has faced,” said Bhullar.
“But none of those guys were named Arjan Singh Bhullar, nor bring what I do to the Circle.”
Bhullar (10-1) is tipped to be the toughest challenge yet for Vera, who has been hardly tested in his first four heavyweight bouts since coming over to ONE Championship in 2014.
He is an experienced wrestler, having represented Canada in several world championships and international competitions including the 2012 London Olympics.
“I’m younger. I’m hungrier to get what I haven’t yet. I have been pursuing the opportunity to be a world champion since I was in diapers. I am a lifelong athlete who still lives and breathes competition to the fullest. I don’t have any other distractions or priorities in my life,” said the 34-year-old Bhullar, who is Indian-Canadian.
“I have an entire nation and people worldwide who are supporting my quest. I have the skills that have proved problematic for Vera in his losses in the past. I have the strongest mindset to get this job done, which will carry me through the most extreme conditions. I am a winner. I am one billion strong.”
Like the 42-year-old Vera, Bhullar also moved to ONE from the UFC, where he won four of his five fights.
Bhullar made his ONE debut last October in Tokyo, Japan where he beat Mauro Cerilli by unanimous decision.
There’s no date yet but Vera’s title defense against Bhullar would likely happen after the coronavirus pandemic.