IT was a brave effort, but the experience of American Ben Askern was too much for Agilan Thani as he lost the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) One FC welterweight championship fight tonight.

The “Boy from Sentul”, as described in the promotional ads, went down in the first round when Askren locked him, forcing the young Malaysian into a submission.

The fight was held at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

Agilan’s father M.Thanigasalam, 56, who was watching the match at his family home in Jalan Kasipillay said he will continue to support his son.

“It is alright. My son went up against the title holder and it was not easy.
“I never expected him to lose, but to reach that level as a Malaysian fighter, I’m very proud. So winning or losing, is immaterial.”

Thanigasalam said Agilan is still young and he will do better in the future.

“He is a fighter and he loves this sport. He will learn from his mistakes and he will become better.”

Agilan, 22, was not short of supporters as some of his family members had travelled from Penang and Kedah to Singapore to watch him fight.

Thanigasalam said he was happy that his son was surrounded by family members during the fight.
“I didn’t go because, I prefer to watch the fight here. I have been to all his fights that took place in Kuala Lumpur,” he said.

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

Agilan’s record now stands at seven wins – three technical knockouts (TKO) four submissions and one loss. – May 26, 2017.