Wilhelm Ott converts to Islam as a result of coronavirus
Wilhelm Ott, a 37-year old professional mixed martial artist fighting out of Austria, has announced that he has converted to Islam as a result of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. COVID-19 has killed more than 165,000 people and infected over 2.4 million around the globe since the disease came to light in late 2019.
Ott, whose boasts a 19-17-1 win-loss record, took to Instagram to announce that he had become Muslim by reciting the Shahada, the Islamic proclamation of faith and also one of the five pillars of Islam, affirming of oneness of God and acknowledging Muhammad as His messenger.
“The corona crisis has given me the necessary rest to find my faith. My faith is now strong enough that I can recognize the one true God and recite the Shahada to be able to say proudly, yes I am a Muslim,” he wrote.
“I let myself be influenced politically. But when going through hard times, the Islamic faith gave me the necessary strength,” he added.
Ott then thanked Burak Kizilirmak, a fellow Turkish MMA fighter, for gifting him the Quran, the Muslim holy book, and a prayer mat. “I am speechless regarding this positive response. It wasn’t my intention that it would be such a big deal. I actually posted it because people around me and friends know about it,” he said.
Ott last fought at Night of Warriors 5 where he earned a first round ground and pound victory over Maxim Soroka. The November 2019 fight lasted just 35 seconds and brought Ott’s win streak to four consecutive victories.
