Doha, Qatar
Turkish mixed martial artist Dagi Arslanaliev is set to face knockout powerhouse Roberto Soldic in a highly anticipated welterweight showdown at ONE 171: Qatar. The event is taking place on Thursday, February 20, at Lusail Sports Arena.
Arslanaliev, known for his relentless fighting style, emphasizes self-belief as his greatest weapon. “Consistency, regular training, and the will to win are what matter most. I’m my own example and motivator,” he stated.
The fight presents one of the toughest tests of Arslanaliev’s career. He takes on Soldic, a former two-division KSW Champion renowned for his striking power. The Croatian fighter has secured 17 knockouts in 20 career wins. This includes a notable finish of Dricus du Plessis, the current UFC Middleweight Champion.
Despite Soldic’s fearsome reputation, Arslanaliev remains unfazed. With nine professional victories, all by knockout or submission, he sees no reason to be intimidated. “Maybe Soldic is tough, but I haven’t seen anything particularly dangerous from him. Any opponent can be a threat if you let your guard down,” he remarked.
Arslanaliev’s training approach differs from many top fighters, as he does not rely on a single camp or coach. Instead, he prefers to train across different countries, adapting to varying environments. “This camp was different—plans changed multiple times. My opponent’s past instability even led to a fight being canceled,” he explained.
Rather than focusing on Soldic’s strengths and weaknesses, Arslanaliev is committed to his own strategy. He believes endurance will be key, aiming to take the fight into the later rounds to capitalize on his opponent’s fatigue. “If I can push him to the later rounds, I’ll have the chance to show something special for the audience,” he said.
Excited for his first fight in Qatar, Arslanaliev looks forward to putting on a thrilling performance for fans in the region. “It’s an honor to fight in the Middle East. I’m eager to meet the Qatari audience and give them an unforgettable experience,” he concluded.
ONE 171: Qatar promises to deliver an action-packed night, with this high-stakes welterweight clash set to be one of the main highlights.
