The Second Coming: Arjan Bhullar, ONE 166, And The Next Chapter

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Actions speak louder than words. And after parting ways with the ONE Heavyweight MMA World Title, Arjan Bhullar knows that his next move is crucial. In fact, a victory over Ali Aliakbari at ONE 166: Qatar is warranted more now than ever before.

"Singh" meets his fellow heavyweight gargantuan on Friday, 1 March, at Lusail Sports Arena in Qatar in a pivotal bout that will see the victor ascend to World Title contention. And for Bhullar, those are the kinds of conversations he needs to keep his name entwined in the mix.

Going back to Bhullar's arrival in October 2019, the Indian-Canadian pummeled Italian stalwart Mauro Cerilli across three grueling rounds to make himself known to the division at ONE: CENTURY PART II, picking up the unanimous decision win.

The one-sided pounding immediately put Bhullar's name in talks for a shot at longtime ONE heavyweight MMA king Brandon Vera. Bhullar had called his shot, and the outspoken slugger wouldn't be denied his greatness.

Bhullar met "The Truth" at ONE: DANGAL in May 2021. He punished the MMA veteran on the mat en route to forcing a stoppage midway through the second frame to crown himself the ONE Heavyweight MMA World Champion - and the first Indian MMA World Champion in the process.

However, what stemmed from that night was a lengthy absence from competition. From injuries to contract negotiations, "Singh's" break from action continued to grow, much to the chagrin of both fighters and fans alike.

The hiatus from the ring eventually lasted over two years. Throughout that timeframe, hungry new contenders emerged who were chomping at the bit for a World Title opportunity. And that only allowed Bhullar to go from hero to villain in his time away from competition.

Aliakbari and Marcus Almeida were two prominent names to emerge from the division. But none came more notable than reigning two-weight ONE World Champion Anatoly Malykhin, whose activity levels and undying thirst enabled him to smash through Bhullar in their grudge match at ONE Friday Fights 22 last June.

Granted, the battle with Malykhin showcased the rust on the Indian-Canadian's skill set. But what ONE 166 offers is an opportunity for Bhullar to showcase his newfound skills and reinsert himself into the World Title fold.

Going from World Champion to contender is a humbling experience for many. One day you're the cock of the walk, the next a feather duster. Bhullar has experienced just that.

Aliakbari's three-fight winning streak puts him in the finest form of his ONE tenure, with all three wins coming by knockout. And if Bhullar can stop the Iranian freight train's momentum at ONE 166, Bhullar's image will have a whole new shine on his road to redemption.