Gozali, who competes in the welterweight category, pulled off a first-round submission victory over Brazilian Gustavo Wurlitzer, a fighter ten years his junior, on a triumphant return to Madison Square Garden in New York.

“To win in Madison Square Garden, for me, it’s too much,” said Gozali. “It’s something not many fighters my age can say. I lost here last year and didn’t think I’d get another chance. “My last trip to New York was just to fight, but this time it was all about the result. I just had to win.”

Gozali says he has no plans to retire. “I don’t feel old. I don’t feel the body. I’m feeling good. I’ve had 12 operations on but I’m still feeling good.”