Doha, Qatar: In sports, athletes often rely on great teams, top-tier coaches, and elite training partners to sharpen their technical skills. But for Dagi Arslanaliev, the greatest source of strength has always come from within.
The Turkish mixed martial artist will take on Roberto Soldic in a high-stakes welterweight MMA battle at ONE 171: Qatar this Thursday, February 20, at Doha's Lusail Sports Arena.
"There weren’t any key fighters or coaches, honestly. The key is consistency — regular training and having the will to win. I’m my own example and motivator," Arslanaliev said.
Many consider this the biggest test of his career, facing one of the most feared knockout artists in the sport. Soldic, a former two-division KSW Champion, has been one of the most hyped European knockout artists to arrive in ONE Championship.
The 30-year-old Croatian has recorded 17 knockouts in 20 victories, including a third-round finish of Dricus du Plessis, which remains the last loss suffered by the current UFC Middleweight World Champion in the past six years.
Yet, despite the danger that Soldic presents, Arslanaliev knows that the key to victory doesn’t rely on external factors — it lies within himself.
That mindset has fueled Arslanaliev throughout his career. He has faced some of the promotion’s most dangerous fighters. But he has never let pressure, opponents, or expectations dictate his path.
The 30-year-old acknowledges Soldic’s reputation, but he isn’t intimidated by it.
In fact, Arslanaliev’s resume is just as lethal. In his nine professional victories, he has finished all of his opponents, either via knockout or submission.
"Maybe Soldic is a very tough guy, but I haven’t seen anything particularly dangerous from him," he said.
"Any opponent can be dangerous if you yawn and sleep with your mouth open, you know? Then anything can happen.
"I’ll just work hard and see how things go. I don’t really focus too much on his strengths or weaknesses—I just do my job."
Arslanaliev has taken an unconventional approach to his preparation. Unlike most top-tier fighters who train under specific coaches and camps, he prefers to trust in himself.
"I train in different countries, but Asia probably suits me best. This camp was different; plans changed several times. My opponent’s instability and disorganization in the past even led to a fight being canceled," he said.
Despite the challenges, he stayed focused, knowing that adaptability and mental toughness are as crucial as physical skills.
Rather than fixating on his opponent, Arslanaliev remains committed to his own strengths. He knows that the fight will put his endurance and strategy to the test, but his self-belief will carry him through.
"For me, it would be better to take the fight to the later rounds. That way, when my opponent tires, I can show something special for the audience," he said.
Indeed, more than just winning, his ultimate mission is to put on a show and give the fans in attendance an unforgettable experience.
"I’m very pleased to have the chance to fight in the Middle East and for people to fly in and watch," he said.
"This will be my first fight in Qatar, and I’m excited to meet the Qatari audience."
