The end of the fight came at the end of the first five minutes. With patient work on the ground, Makhmudov conjured up an exemplary kimura, after which he could happily celebrate. Along with him, there was also a packed auditorium in Brno’s Bobycentr, where the talented Czech representative had a really large crowd of fans. “They were Czechs, Dagestanis, Chechens, Georgians, perhaps all of them. Perhaps the whole sector was here.’
Does satisfaction prevail?
I would definitely do it again and do it a little better. But it turned out the way it did. Thank God I finished in the first round, so good for me. But the match showed me that I have to drill more. It was clear that I would dominate, which also remained in the match, but I definitely have to work harder. Now I need to loosen up between the pros and get used to them a bit. I’m used to the cage, but that doesn’t apply to longer wheels and small gloves.
How was the pressure on you?
I said I didn’t feel any pressure, and the fact is I didn’t feel any pressure in the cage. I don’t know if it was because the tournament took place in Brno, because there is a good atmosphere here, but I felt good right from the start. Really great. I guess I was born for it and I have it in me.
After the fight, you mentioned that you had taken antibiotics for a fortnight before the fight. Was the plan therefore to end in the first round?
Apparently it was because of that. Even before the fight, I said that I would like to win by technical knockout, but in the cage I realized that those elbows are not easy. You need space for them, so I ended it this way because I saw an opportunity – and I just did it.
Did you have a physical for the second round as well?
I don’t know what time it was, but in the middle, Pepa (coach Josef Král) shouted at me not to melt down unnecessarily and just hold the opponent. But when I fired blows at him, I felt that the physicality was leaving. But my heart is in the right place, I wouldn’t give up. I could do it even without physics.
You had a really stormy backdrop behind you, who all came to support you?
They were Czechs, Dagestanis, Chechens, Georgians, perhaps all of them. Perhaps the entire sector was here.
Are you planning a party?
I’m not a skunk, but a religious person. I’m just going to eat properly and sleep.
What was it like for you to board so late at night? In the amateurs, you were used to earlier times.
I was yawning in the locker room before the game. The last time I wrestled this late (approx. 10 p.m.) was at a tournament in Serbia, where the World Championship finals were moved to the evening, which I’m not used to. But I’ll have to get used to it.
You also had to get used to the agreed weight, what was that like?
It was unusual, I’m not used to it, but I guess it suited me because I felt great. I went 80 and found that my body was giving out. This is a threat to all 77 not only in the Czech Republic, but throughout Europe and the world.
For the first time, you could also enjoy the opening song.
It was Caucasian style. I don’t know what I should have chosen, so I chose the most traditional one, which is connected to my native region. People liked it, so I’ll probably do it again next time. I could already feel the great atmosphere when I started, it gave me a lot. I guess I’m a showman, I like attention. It suits me.
During your post-match speech, you made your coach Josef Krále cry when you wished him a happy birthday. What did you say to his reaction?
It is not difficult to touch him emotionally like that. When he’s happy, I’m happy too. This is how I feel with every close person. I’m glad he shed a tear.
What are your plans for the coming months?
I would like to show up at the next Fusion tournament on October 18th, I would also like to wrestle even sooner, maybe in two and a half months. If I could manage one more game before October, that would be great. If the next time the people here welcome me the same way as now, I will definitely show up here.
Tags: MMA amateur professional Czech talent experienced dream premiere warning world
