Casey Suire battles Muin Gafurov at ONE: Odyssey of Champions (Photo : ONE Championship)
The last time ONE Championship bantamweight standout Casey Suire (5-1) was in the cage, he went up against a grappling ace in the Philippines' Mark Striegl, a fight that cost him his undefeated record, losing to Striegl by first round Rear Naked Choke.
Earlier today, at ONE Championship's press conference in Jakarta, it was learned that the 37-year old Suire will be taking on another grappling stud in 19-year old, Muin Gafurov (5-0), who is 18 years Suire's junior, at ONE: Odyssey of Champions on September 27.
Despite his recent setback, and a lofty challenge against an undefeated young buck in Gafurov, Suire feels confident of victory and can't wait to get back in the cage.
"I feel extremely motivated to get back in the cage," said Suire, who lost his unbeaten record to Striegl last April.
"In Manila vs Mark Striegl was an unbelievable experience, but I let myself down, and didn't show everyone what I am capable of, so I certainly look forward to finding some redemption."
There's certainly no shame in losing to a submission artist like Striegl, specially at this level of competition, but Suire has good shot at redeeming himself against Gafurov, whose five wins have all come by submission.
While most fighters begin training at a very young age, Suire started MMA late in life.
The Bali Muay Thai & MMA Product began his professional career in 2011, when he was 33. Since then, he racked up five straight victories, four of which were submissions of his own and one by TKO.
The loss to Striegl only did Suire good in the experience department, but he says, he already feels fulfilled, regardless of what he is yet to achieve inside the cage.
"I have already set out what I wanted to accomplish, I have proven that regardless of age or experience, pure determination allowed me to be successful," said Suire.
"I read an awesome quote the other day that said, 'If your dreams dont scare you, they aren't big enough.' So for me, that put this MMA thing in perspective," he added.
The American said he initially wanted to have just 10 pro fights to prove to himself that he could do this whole combat sports thing.
"My last fight was my 11th if I include my 2 pro boxing & amateur MMA bouts," said Suire.
"Martial arts has far exceeding my expectations and carries into all aspects of my life. it has changed my life for the better and as long as I am healthy and can compete, I want to continue to fight the best fighters out there," he added.
While Muin Gafurov has a long way to go before he's considered 'one of the best fighters out there', he certainly poses yet another hurdle for Suire to overcome.
"Win or lose, it will continue to help me grow as a person. It was very humbling to lose my last fight, but I will be that much stronger in this next trip to the cage," said Suire.
Suire and Gafurov go to battle inside the ONE cage on September 27, in a three round bantamweight contest at ONE: Odyssey of Champions which takes place at Istora Senayan in Jakarta, Indonesia.
