MMA
Rahul Raju Eyes Showdown With Amir Khan
After a breakout year in 2019, Rahul “The Kerala Krusher” Raju is aiming for another milestone – to become the number one contender in the lightweight division.
“The Kerala Krusher” started last year with a first-round submission of Richard “Notorious” Corminal at ONE: ENTER THE DRAGON in May. Then, he forced Pakistan rival Furqan “The Lion” Cheema to tap in the second round with a rear-naked choke at ONE: EDGE OF GREATNESS in November.
Now back in the win column, Raju believes he is one match away from becoming the division’s undisputed top contender.
“Honestly, it’s time for me to prove I am ready to hold the title,” Raju said. “I need a solid performance against another top contender.”
That said, the Singapore resident already has an ideal opponent in mind.
“My team and I, we’ve been looking closely at Amir Khan. I think that would be a perfect match-up,” the 29-year-old continued.
“It will be a complete honor to face him and a real treat for the Singaporean fans. I believe this fight can happen on the Singapore card in July.”
With two wins in his adopted hometown under his belt, the Indian native believes he has the skills to tame the young lion and make it a hat trick in Singapore.
“Amir is very well-rounded, he’s a classy Muay Thai style fighter with really good striking, plus very good jiu-jitsu skills,” Raju said.
“I am a fighter that is still polishing myself and I am improving every day, but I still believe our skills will be even.”
“The Kerala Krusher’s” formidable ground game is ever-improving, and his past two victories speak to his rapid progress in “the gentle art.”
“I am sharpening my technical side every chance I get,” Raju said. “I have been doing a lot of partner drills and bag work but also watching a lot of jiu-jitsu videos.”
“I definitely have the upper hand on the ground and if it comes to striking, I believe I can bring him into my style of fighting.
“That will be my edge rather than playing into the Muay Thai style standing exchange, which he favors.”
Fans can expect an explosive contest as the Kerala native claims he will go the distance with the local favorite.
“I will make it as exciting as I can. I will mix it up. I want to strike with him and grapple with him,” he says.
“Get ready for a three-round war.”
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