DEFEAT at the hands of mixed martial arts fighter Ben Askren on Friday has motivated Agilan Thani to train harder for another shot at the One Championship welterweight title.

Agilan, 22 who suffered a light cut on his head in the fight, said he is eager to get back to training in a week’s time. 

“I’m looking forward to learning some new techniques and to get into the proper fitness level so that I can perform better in my next fight.”

Agilan said his next fight will likely be in August under the One championship banner. 

“My aim is getting a spot in the fight. I will have to win three or four consecutive fights before I can qualify for the welterweight title fight again. 

“I’m not too eager to go for another championship fight yet.”

Agilan also called on Malaysians to not turn his loss into a racial issue.

His fans have blamed Agilan’s loss on the lack of support for him, which they say is because he is Indian.

“I came up with the video because I wanted to tell the masses that I lost because of my mistakes and no one should be blamed for it.

“It was not because I didn’t get any support that why I lost. The reason I lost was because it was my mistake.

“It’s not that I didn’t train hard enough, I just had too much pressure going into the fight.”

Agilan thanked his fans for their support and those who have shared his video on Facebook. 

“Don’t raise any racial issues because at the end of the day, we are all living in a peaceful country. I don’t want to see people fighting over this issue. So, let’s keep it cool.

“I know my story is great and all, but I have bigger goals. I will do my best to come back stronger and win more fights.”

Agilan went live on Facebook on Saturday still wearing a bandage over his right eye to urge Malaysians to stay united.

He said it is unfair for people to make wild assumptions about his career and the support he receives without understanding the situation.

The 7:22 minute clip has received more than 203,000 views, 9,500 shares and 24,000 likes.

Agilan went down in the first round of the title fight after Askren locked him and forced him into submission.

It was a tough fight for Agilan against Askren, 32, who has 15 wins under his belts and is a former two-time Division I wrestling champion and former Olympic wrestler.

Agilan’s record now stands at seven wins – three technical knockouts and four submissions – and one loss. – May 30, 2017.