Flyweight title challenger Aaron Aby is hoping Oktagon 48 can provide a 'fairytale' ending to what has been a personal journey of ups and downs.
The 33-year-old was born with cystic fibrosis and after being diagnosed with the condition shortly after birth, his parents feared that he would struggle to make it past his teenage years.
Aby however has not let this stop him from pursuing a career in MMA and is now preparing for the biggest challenge of his career at Oktagon 48.
The event which takes place on November 4 at Manchester's AO Arena will see Aby take on Elias Garcia for the Oktagon MMA flyweight title, and Aby hopes that it will be a night to remember for his passionate fanbase.
"A five-round fight suits me. Elias is an explosive fighter but I’ll wear on him and chip away at his gas tank and take him out," Aby told Oktagon MMA.
"I feel like the pace I fight at will play into my advantage. I don’t like making specific predictions, but the perfect ending sees the fight 2-2 going into that final round, to make it that fairytale Rocky ending, with me winning the belt.
“I’m very well supported. My fans have always traveled to see me fight, and with this one being close to home, in Manchester, the reception from fans has been great, and I can’t wait to bring them to the AO Arena, and have them see me win the world championship.”
Oktagon 48 airs live on DAZN on Saturday November 4. Click here for more information on how to sign up.