An Afghan flyweight is set to make his US debut this weekend. Babakar Khil will be taking on David Secaida on the undercard of LFA 148 in Commerce.
Khil (1-0) only made his pro debut in Afghanistan earlier this year. But the 20 year old appears to have relocated to the US in order to pursue his MMA dreams.
He has been training at the UFC Gym in Torrance ahead of his second professional fight which will be broadcast live on Fight Pass. He faces an American opponent who has extensive amateur experience.
David Secaida has a 4-7 amateur record. He made his debut back in 2014 but has only fought intermittently since, the California native is coming off back to back split decision losses.
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Afghan role models
There are currently three Afghan fighters on the UFC roster. Nasrat Haqparast, who was born in Germany but represents the country of his parents birth when he fights, holds a 14-5 record and is coming off a win over John Makdessi in Paris.
Javid Basharat was born in Afghanistan but lives and trains in England. He is a bantamweight who holds a 13-0 record and has won two fight out of two for the UFC.
Basharat earned his opportunity after submitting Oron Kahlon on a Dana White’s Contender Series. The victory was particularly satisfying because the Israeli had accused him of being a terrorist at the weigh ins.
His younger brother also earned a UFC contract after impressing on Dana White’s Contender Series. Farid Basharat is 9-0 and has yet to compete inside the octagon for the first time.
Khil will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of these Afghan role models. At 20 years old time is very much on his side and he will be looking to make a big impression when he makes his US debut this weekend.
LFA 148, Commerce December 12th
Alfonso Leyva vs. Chris Brown (For welterweight title)
Danny Silva vs. Canaan Kawaihae (Featherweight)
Richie Miranda vs. James Wilson (Lightweight)
Dione Barbosa vs. Mariana Piccolo (Flyweight)
Cody Davis vs. Alvaro Prado (Flyweight)
Jeffrey Craig vs. Ernesto Rodriguez (Welterweight)
Joseph Dorado vs. Eduardo Penha (Bantamweight)
David Secaida vs. Babakar Khil (Flyweight)
Xavier Moreno vs. Marcelino Silva (Bantamweight)
