Aaron Aby has overcome more than most to become one of the best flyweights in Europe, and his Hollywood story can be capped off by becoming Oktagon MMA flyweight champion on November 4.
The Welsh MMA fighter was born with Cystic Fibrosis, a condition that causes mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system, making it hard to breathe.
After being diagnosed with the condition shortly after his birth, the 33-year-old's parents were told he is unlikely to make it past his teenage years and would be unable to live a normal life.
On raising awareness for the condition, Aby explained, "It's massive for me to use this platform to raise awareness. From my first MMA fight, I have been wanting to raise awareness for Cystic Fibrosis.
"From a kid playing football, I never wanted to speak about the disease as I didn't want to be treated any differently, but going to MMA, I switched my mindset and wanted to raise awareness and bring this as a positive story.
"I’ve wanted to give people a bit of hope and show people that they can still achieve things, no matter what the odds are. If I can help 1 person that means a lot. I’ve always said that what is more important than the wins and loss ratio, is how many people I've helped."
Aby, a Wrexham local, used to play for his boyhood club, and has dreams of one day competing at The Racecourse Ground.
"It's been massive for me to have the support of Wrexham, it means a lot. I'll be bringing home that world title and doing it for Wrexham. I'll win the belt at OKTAGON 48, and then I would love to bring an event back to Wrexham and the racecourse. If I can bring Oktagon to Wrexham that would be fantastic.”
Aby will face Elias Garcia for the inaugural Oktagon flyweight belt at Oktagon 48 on November 4. Aby gave his thoughts on the match-up.
"A five-round fight suits me," he said.
"Elias is an explosive fighter but I'll wear on him and chip away at his gas tank and take him out. I feel like the pace I fight at will play into my advantage. I don't like making specific predictions, but the perfect ending sees the fight 2-2 going into that final round, to make it that fairytale Rocky ending, with me winning the belt.
"I'm very well supported. My fans have always traveled to see me fight, and with this one being close to home, in Manchester, the reception from fans has been great, and I can't wait to bring them to the AO Arena, and have them see me win the World Championship."
