Russian Mixed Martial Artist (MMA) Vladimir Mineev said he did not quite believe in holding a duel between compatriots Alexander Shlemenko and Magomed Ismailov .
The fight between Ismailov and Shlemenko is scheduled to take place on December 3 in Yekaterinburg at the RCC 13 tournament. Initially, the fighters were scheduled to fight in August, but the fight was postponed due to Ismailov’s injury. Mineev fought twice with Ismailov – their first confrontation ended in a draw, and in October 2021 Mineev won a quick victory. It was Mineev and Ismailov’s last performance in MMA.
“You ask me if this fight will be between Shlemenko and Ismailov,” Mineev said in a conversation with reporters. I’ve been hearing about this fight since spring. God forbid guys fight, make money. But to be honest, I still don’t believe this story.
– You haven’t fought in MMA for a year. And who do you now consider the best Russian middleweight?
– Well, as if yourself.
– Despite a year without a fight?
– So what?
– Do you believe in holding your fight with Sharabutdin Magomedov?
Why should I believe it? I just need to say “Yes”. To do that, we have to agree, we kind of agreed on the terms, but, you see, I have other plans. I must fulfill all promises and finish what I started. There are more important things than mixed martial arts, even though it’s a very big part of my life.
– If there is a fight between Shlemenko and Ismailov, who do you think will win?
It’s MMA, right?
– Yes, and a five-round fight was planned.
– A good word is “planned”. In five rounds, I thought Shlemenko had more chances. But in the last fights, Alexander was not in very good shape. If he comes to the fight in good condition, then he will have a chance to end the fight in his favor. But I am inclined to believe that Ismailov will win.
Both guys impress me as compatriots, as MMA heroes. But Ismailov and I have a history, and I wouldn’t want him to lose. Each of his defeats affects me. But that doesn’t mean I’m against Shlemenko.
Does this nullify your victory?
– Including. But then he was in super shape and maybe he wasn’t in shape to lose.
– Can Shlemenko’s victory bring your fight closer to him?
– Ask this question to Alexander. In terms of guesswork, approx. From the point of view of the possibility of holding: he had stereotypes about it. Come back to him with this question. I myself am interested.
Source : MatchTV
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