On Friday in Moscow, Russian mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Vagab Vagabov defeated American Alex Nicholson by technical knockout in the first round. In principle, even before the battle, few people wondered about the outcome of this confrontation – Vagabov was clearly the favorite.
Vagab took control of the fight from the first seconds, which, according to the rules, took place only in a standing position. And already in the 30th second, Nicholson was counted out. The American got up, but only to spend two more minutes in the octagon – at the end of the starting segment, the judge stopped the fight much to the audience’s delight. Soslan Asbarov and Magomed Ismailov were especially happy for Vagabov.
In the official statistics of the Russian in MMA, there are now 28 wins, one draw and one loss. Nicholson has 17 wins and nine losses.
After the fight, Vagabov spoke to reporters directly in the octagon.
– What’s wrong with your hand, why are you holding the ice cream?
It was a relaxed shot. I broke a finger along the way. Nothing serious. Just the tenth fight in a year and ten months. Maybe I should take a break for a few weeks.
When did you get injured?
– I think when there was a side impact… When he fell, I relaxed a bit. He made a childish mistake and didn’t press his fist. Will heal.
– How do you assess the level of opposition?
– He is a dangerous fighter, he can swing and cling. But if you’re not going to a free booth with him, then you can deploy our old boxing school.
– The head of AMC Fight Nights Kamil Gadzhiev considers your fight with Belarusian Piotr Romankevich interesting under such rules, when they fight only in a standing position. This applies to both MMA and boxing.
Petya has already rushed. I pulled it to take a picture. I say: “In the course, something is planned between us, let’s start an intrigue.” It would be a good and interesting fight.
– Did you manage to talk with Romankevich?
Yes, we communicate. I was at his fight with Pavel Shulsky. We know him.
– Do you feel perhaps the most successful fighter in martial arts?
Champions come and go. If not completed in time, all champions lose. Today I feel good, I smile. I have the media headlines of Russian fighting leagues.
– Do you want to continue playing in all leagues or focus on something specific?
– There is a specific proposal from the Pravda league, where I am actively moving in boxing. There is a proposal for December for a rematch with Dima Kudryashov. And it will be for the title of the organization (in June, Kudryashov knocked out Vagabov in the first round – “”).
“And this will be part of the Pravda Grand Prix?”
– The Grand Prix was in words. The man who reached the final signed a one-fight contract. I already realized then that there would be no final neither with me nor with Dima. Khetag (Tsopanov, the leader of the league) did not pass the Grand Prix. He just shook hands with the wrong person (alluding to Datsik).
In general, negotiations are underway for a fight with Dmitry Kudryashov for the Pravda Boxing belt. And this title is very important to me. I’m waiting for offers.
– Do you agree that Soslan Asbarov showed how to fight Dmitry Kudryashov?
“Soslan Asbarov is my younger brother. He and my younger brother were in the national team. They grew up sportingly before my eyes. He showed boxing lessons. It is lighter. There is a real difference in weight around 40 kg. Soslan can lift up to 81 kg, he does not run and weighs 90 kg. Soslan showed class. In the first lap, I was worried, but Sosik did his job.
– You said about Dmitry Kudryashov, Pyotr Romankevich. Maybe someone else is on your list?
– He was the semi-finalist. We were supposed to speak at a press conference, but they caused panic. Like, Vagabov said something wrong again, and we’re not going there. Well, I say, “Okay, I won’t come, let them come.”
– Do we really understand what you are talking about Datsik?
– Yes, it’s true.
“You don’t want to say his name?”
– Yes. I’ll name his name randomly, and he starts, “Vagab remembered us, from prison.” And I don’t need his prison for nothing – who they were and lived. I have my own life. They see jambs behind them and emotionally accept.
– During one of the press conferences, you called him a red goat.
– Yes, as soon as he didn’t call! I’m not saying anything bad. If I say something wrong, please correct me. This does not apply to air commentators who try to teach from leftist accounts. And that applies to real people, come talk about my mistakes. I will be happy to correct them.
– Previously they listed options for opponents. But if you make a choice, then of all you choose Datsik?
– (pause).
– Well, not counting Kudryashov.
– That’s the right note. And so there is no one to build. Datsik stays. In AMC Fight Nights these are belt defenses, Datsik won’t make 93kg, neither will Romankevich. We talked about Viktor Nemkov, but now he is heavy and can lift up to 100 kg.
They (AMC Fight Nights) are looking for something for February-March, but I don’t know the opponent. Therefore, I am now in heavyweight and performing. It seemed like there were more people here, but it turned out that there wasn’t much.
– What do you think, will your revenge with Shulsky take place (during the fight with Vagabov, Shulsky received a double jaw fracture)?
– I think he can’t (fight) next year. I don’t know how he will fight. But the guy is frozen and fiery.
Source : MatchTV
I am Sandra Jackson, a journalist and content creator with extensive experience in the news industry. I have been working in the news media for over five years. During this time, I have worked as an author and editor at various outlets producing high-quality content that attracts readers from different demographics.
