Afghan MMA fighter Hotak announces next fight

KABUL (Pajhwok): Afghan mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Ahmad Wali Hotak on Monday announced his fight with a Kazakhstani rival, calling on other athletes to return to the country as no threat existed to them.

Hotak unveiled his fight date June 24 at WTKF club in Moscow, Russia.

Hotak’s opponent “Murat” has four professional fights in his record, but Hotak said he was fully prepared for the encounter.

Hotak left Kabul for Russia today and assured that he would return home with the victory.

“Athletes belong to the nation and they should work to make their nation proud,” he remarked.

He praised the Interior Ministry for paving the way for his trip and called on the caretaker government to separate sports from politics and provide more opportunities for athletes.

sa/ma