Dubai: Shinya Aoki, Nobutatsu Suzuki and Koji Oishi have their work cut out for them as they head into Friday night’s ‘Reign of Champions’ at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

Organised by One FC, the fight night is broken into three parts of three bouts each. There will be three world championship titles to be defended along with another three side fights and a further three bouts involving local talent along with a women’s fight.

The official weigh-in was held on Thursday morning and One FC announced later in the day that all but one MMA artist had made the weight for Friday’s fights.

Abu Dhabi-based Syrian fighter Mohammad Walid failed to make the weight and his bout against Vaughn Donayre will now be at catchweight category of 76.5kg.

Friday night’s card is set to be the biggest event in One FC history, and is headlined by three One FC World Championship bouts.

The main highlight is Japan’s Shinya Aoki defending his lightweight world championship title against Iran’s Kamal Shalorus.

Nobutatsu Suzuki is up against American challenger Ben ‘Funky’ Askren in the welterweight championship, while Narantungalag Jadambaa of Mongolia challenges Koji Oishi for the featherweight crown.

“That belt is mine. I have nothing to lose really. I just go out and defeat him, that’s the plan,” Shalorus told media after the weigh-in.

“Fighting is my life. It is what I was born for. I am aware of his [Aoki’s] strengths, but I am here to win,” he added.

Aoki, who weighed in at 70.1kgs, insists he is ready for the challenge. “This is one fight that will excite everyone. There is no doubt that my challenger is a tough guy, but I am here with my belt and I intend to return to Japan with it,” he said.

Askren versus Suzuki also holds a lot of promise, especially with the American coming here with an undefeated record. “I know my job and I am prepared to take him on,” Askren said.

“He’s [Askren] known for his striking power, but I don’t see any other way that hitting him out. He is strong but I really don’t see him posing any problems for me or my belt,” Suzuki said.

The three fights of the co-main events on the night will see undefeated Christian Holley from the UK challenge American Roger Huerta, Brazilian Cristiano Kaminishi facing James McSweeney of the UK in the light heavyweight division and Hiroshige Tanaka coming up against Herbert Burns of Brazil in the featherweight.

In line with the event’s goal of promoting local talent, Vaugh Donayre of the Philippines will challenge Syrian Mohammad Walid, while Ali Yaakub of Malaysia will take on Thai fighter Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke.

But the biggest roar from the crowd on the night is likely to be for the sole women’s bout involving two-time world champion Ana ‘The Hurricane’ Julaton against Ann ‘Athena’ Osman of Malaysia in their flyweight bout.

Action is scheduled to get under way at the Dubai World Trade Centre at 6pm.