MMA fighter Shoaib Yousaf is all set to return to the cage in the new year following an impressive debut on the Oktagon circuit in Manchester.
Shoaib who is nicknamed 'the Assassin' and hails from Nelson won his first fight in front of 18,000 fans at the AO Arena.
Following the dominant victory, Yousaf climbed to sixth in Oktagon MMA’s featherweight rankings, and took his own record to 11-3.
Yousaf is now set to return at Oktagon 52, in Newcastle on January 27.
He said: “I’m happy to be fighting for Oktagon.
"There are lots of promotions in the UK, but Oktagon are going to take over, and I’m looking forward to fighting in Newcastle.
“I am grateful to all the fans who came to my Oktagon debut. I heard them from start to the finish, and thanks to them for buying a ticket and supporting.
"They follow me all around the world, and I know they’ll be there in Newcastle cheering me on.”
His opponent is yet to be announced, but Oktagon MMA promoters said they were keen to place Yousaf on the card.
He brought a massive following to his debut, and his expected to do so again in Newcastle.
Pavol Neruda, co-founder of Oktagon MMA, added: “Shoaib is a fantastic fighter and he showed that in Manchester, against a very tough opponent.
"He is definitely someone we see being one of the UK stars in Oktagon, and his potential could see him go right to the top.
“The amount of fans Shoaib attracted to Manchester was really impressive, and we look forward to welcoming them all to Newcastle on January 27.”
For tickets to Shoaib's fight visit the Oktagon MMA website.
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