Legendary Pakistani cricketer Wasim Akram is likely feeling proud after he announced that his son Tahmoor is now a professional MMA fighter.
Akram, also known as ‘The Sultan of Swing’, is one of his country’s most iconic and talented cricketers in its history. The 56-year-old was the first bowler to reach the 500-wicket mark back in 2003 and was voted the best One Day International bowler of all time in 2002.
As first reported by AryNews.com, Tahmoor, who currently lives in the United States, has decided to compete in professional MMA as their isn’t a huge market for cricket in the US.
Wasim Akram confirmed that his son had also taken part in his first bout whilst working in the United Arab Emirates.
When asked about Tahmoor’s decision to take up MMA rather than cricket, the former Pakistan captain said:
βMy son has been living in America, there is not much cricket there, anyway. I have given my children the right to live the life they want. If he wants to be a fighter, then he must.”
Tahmoor Akrami was also successful in his first amateur MMA bout. The 26-year-old confirmed on Instagram that he was able to find a second-round finish and was excited to continue honing his craft in the sport.
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Former MMA fighter Daniel Cormier breaks down Jon Jones vs. Ciryl Gane
The heavyweight division was put on notice this week after Dana White confirmed that Francis Ngannou had vacated the title and was released from the promotion. The UFC president also added that Jon Jones will face Ciryl Gane for the vacant title.
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It doesn’t get bigger than this – UFC President @DanaWhite confirms that @JonnyBones will take on @Ciryl_Gane for the ππππππππππ heavyweight championship at #UFC285 π[ March 4 | @TMobileArena | Tix On Sale Jan 20 at AXS.com ]
‘The Predator’ and the UFC brass have been in talks for some time about a new deal, with Ngannou pushing for the organization to help promote a superfight between himself and boxing champion Tyson Fury. White reportedly refused, and Ngannou turned down a deal that the UFC president claimed would have made him the highest paid heavyweight in the organization’s history.
Daniel Cormier, who has held both light heavyweight and heavyweight titles, weighed in on the bout between Jones and Gane. According to ‘DC’, Gane potentially presents more problems for ‘Bones’ than Ngannou would have:
βI thought Jon [Jones] vs. Francis [Ngannou] was the biggest and my most anticipated fight because of the dangers that Francis Ngannou presents to Jon Jones with the power and everything, but letβs not go crazy here and act as if Jon Jones has not seen power before. Heβs seen power. Nothing like the power of Ngannou. I believe that what he has now is maybe a more difficult style matchup in Ciryl Ganeβ¦β
Catch Cormier’s reaction here: