Agilan was defeated by One Championship welterweight champion Ben Askren by submission in the co-main event of ONE Championship: Dynasty of Heroes in Singapore Friday night.
The American – a 2008 Olympic wrestler and former Bellator champion – tapped into the vast gulf in experience to overwhelm his Malaysian challenger from the get-go, rag-dolling Thani and quickly taking the fight to the ground.
The youngster fought valiantly to get back up on his feet but in the end, Askren was too strong and too savvy as he sunk in an arm triangle submission to end the bout.
Askren extends his record to 16 wins and no losses, to cap off the third defence of a strap he won back in 2014.
Supporters from all walks of life also took social media by storm to voice their congratulations to Agilan.
MIC Youth Chief Datuk C. Sivarraajh said: “Agilan is just 21 … he’ll make it big soon…. everyone needs a defeat to boast them in life. Keep rocking and you’re already our champion.”
Facebook user Yogeswary Vallaisamy said: “We are still proud of you Agilan Thani.”
Rinajoe Joey said: “So what if u didn’t win this time? My support is still for you Agilan “Alligator” Thani Agilan Thani! Proud of you man…though it wasn’t an easy match but you’ve made this far to compete Ben.
Anbu Arasu Kasirajan said: “It’s okay Agilan Thani. There’s always next time. This isn’t the end. It has just begun.”
Shivaseelan Sukumaran said: “Seriously, Proud of you brother Agilan Thani…. It’s a tough game though… We are happy and so proud of you again.”
Shankar Ganesh Siridharan said: “To me Agilan Thani is a winner. Proud of you Agilan. There is always rematch. We still support you.”
Malaysian Invasion Mixed Martial Arts (MIMMA) said: “Agilan Thani, you took Malaysian MMA further than it has ever gone before. Thank you Agilan, you’re our champion. And we have yet to see the best of you.”
Danesh Navanethan: “You’ve made us proud.”
Dranoel Sinclair: “Its ok Agilan Thani… You did a good job.”
Agilan, also known as “The Alligator Thani”, has become a social media sensation after a promotional video, titled “The Boy from Sentul”, on his title fight went viral.
His story has been called the real-life ‘Cinderella’ fairy tale as he was bullied for being overweight in school.
Agilan was raised by his father after his mother left him when he was only one.
Frustrated with with the bullies, one day Agilan decided to stand up for himself and started to learn martial arts at age 13.
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