Malik Basahel is hungry to get his hands on more titles, and this Saturday at Almighty Fighting Championship 30, he will get the opportunity to do so.
Basahel is fresh off an amateur title win at Fightstar Championship 23 and aims to make it back-to-back title wins. He will be met with a game opponent in Jack McGloughlin and promises the fight will be exciting for those tuning in or attending the event in Barnsley.
We had the pleasure of catching up with Malik Basahel prior to fight night. Read the full exclusive below.
Interview With Malik Basahel
One week until we see you potentially pick up your second title within three months. You’ve always come across as a confident individual, but how have things changed since winning the flyweight title at FightStar?
Yeah, winning my first amateur title was a good feeling, and it shows the work I’m putting in with the rest of my team and just trying to climb the ranks. Things haven’t really changed. Been training the same and grinding the same. If anything, I want more titles now and more opportunities to showcase my skills.
Jack McGloughlin is the man that will now stand across the cage from you. When told you’d be fighting for the AFC flyweight strap, what was the initial reaction and thought?
It will be a good fight; Jack is a well-rounded fighter who comes from a solid team in Manchester; there was no reaction when his name came up; I told Jay, my head coach, that If there are any pullouts for the title fight, I wanna step in.
Malik Basahel Talks Flyweight Title Win
Talk us through your win on Fightstar briefly. What did getting your hands on their flyweight strap means to you, and how did you feel about the fight overall?
Winning the FightStar title was a great feeling, especially against a great opponent as well. It was a good fight, back and forth, great scrambles, and I feel great about the fight, and it was a great learning experience.
McGloughlin stands in your way. What do you know about him, and how do you feel you match up against one another?
I know he’s a well-rounded fighter, good on the feet and on the ground, and has solid style, and I feel I match up well against him; we both like to push the pace, and both look for the finish also.
Looking back McGloughlin’s fights, is there anything you see in his game that you need to be careful of?
As I said, he’s a well-rounded fighter, so just be sharp everywhere, as he likes to put the pressure on and uses his grappling to grind you out, but I will use my speed and technique to shut it down and get the win.
Motivation
At this current time, what motivates you to get up every day and put your body through gruelling training sessions?
Just the eagerness to grow and learn. I love staying active because it keeps me sharp and ready and get more experience in that cage, but I also love the feeling of stepping into that cage and showcasing my skills.
What type of fight can fans expect to see from Malik Basahel and Jack McGlouglin?
Will see two hungry fighters looking to push the pace and get the finish. Expect a solid fight and a great technical fight.
Finally, could you leave us with your official prediction?
I will just use my skillset, and what presents itself in the fight, I will attack it. That could be on the feet or on the ground or decision. I will just go in there and fight.
Featured image credits to Fightstar Championship
