Mujtaba unfazed in US debut vs Northcutt

AHMED “Wolverine” Mujtaba might be a name that’s foreign to most casual American fans, but the Pakistani standout is motivated to make sure he walks out the 1stBank Center in Colorado with his name ringing.
Mujtaba takes on “Super” Sage Northcutt in a three-round lightweight MMA bout at ONE Fight Night 10: Johnson vs. Moraes III on 6 May, and he’s eager to showcase what he’s made of in his opponent’s backyard.
Mujtaba is riding high on a two-bout winning streak, and he knows that this is the biggest opportunity that he’s getting in more than a decade of fighting.
“Once again, I’m representing my country—this time, in the United States, the land of opportunity,” he said.
“So, I mean there’s a lot of people from Pakistan in the U.S. They are waiting for me to represent my country, and there are a lot of Pakistanis who will be at the event, who are going to be cheering for me.”
He doesn’t expect it to be easy, though, especially against Northcutt, who’s desperately trying to live up to his billing following a disastrous debut.
“Super” came in as one of the most hyped stars from the West, but that was quickly squashed when he got knocked out by Cosmo Alexandre seconds into his bout.
That’s why Mujtaba is expecting a determined Northcutt when they meet. However, that doesn’t mean he’s just going to lay down and allow the American to roll over him.
“He’s going to be hungry because the last time, he got knocked out. Plus, he’s going to be afraid as well due to the manner of his last fight and loss. I’m not an easy guy to fight against,” he said.
“I need the win as well because I’m hungry for the win, too. I’m coming from a very rough situation, I’m coming from a very rough part. So, I don’t want to lose.”
Furthermore, Mujtaba knows what a win here would do for his stature in The Home of Martial Arts. After all, an impressive victory over Northcutt would definitely bode well for his ONE World Title aspirations.
“As I’ve said before, and as I have shown in the cage, I’ve got so many skills. I just need time to deliver them, and I think my time is coming,” he said.
“I mean, soon, I will be ONE Championship’s Lightweight World Champion. I believe that, and I will achieve it.”