Mineev’s opponent at the Elista tournament on September 15 will be Brazilian fighter Rafael Carvalho, and it is very easy to be mistaken about his level because of the statistics: Carvalho has one victory in his last seven fights, but in Bellator Rafael fought with very strong fighters, lost twice by split decisions and the bottom line is that he may not have to take drug tests for a year now, since he does not fight in the major MMA leagues.
Carvalho is a basic kickboxer, and in a fight with Mineev he will be spared such an unpleasant thing as wrestling. The Brazilian is 8 cm taller and he has spent the last few months not with a machine gun, but in training rooms. Mineev returned from the zone of the Northern Military District and began preparing for combat only at the end of August. Both won belts competing in the middleweight division (Mineev in AMC Fight Nights, Carvalho in Bellator in the category up to 84 kg), both won 16 fights in MMA, although Mineev lost one and his opponent lost 7.
— When was your last fight?
— Before leaving Makhachkala on September 7. There was a test fight with Armen Petrosyan (UFC fighter – ). He is 190 cm tall, like Rafael Carvalho. For my part, I switched to lefties, they did an excellent job.
— Do you have to get used to the ring again after the cage?
– Well, by the way, we fought in a cage, yes. But at the same time it is square in shape. Yesterday I worked on my feet in the ring, and the ring of course is completely different. A competent and experienced kickboxer, he knows how to work with the ring, when you know how to hold on to the ropes, maneuver them, feel them with your back.
– Who will be in your corner?
— Rasul Magomedaliev and Alexander Khivrich (Ulyanovsk boxing coach. — ). Perhaps Evgeny Vasilyevich Golovikhin and his team will arrive.
— After MMA, do the kickboxing rounds seem short to you?
– It exists, but when we understand that we are going into the ring, and not in a cage for five minutes, we construct the tactical and technical conception of the fight differently. I’m sure that, like my opponent, I have such a picture of the battle that we go out and start right away. No recognition, no long foreplay, right away. Because there is little time. And this affects entertainment, because you have less time to realize yourself.
— What does Carvalho do well?
– He has good foot attacks. Attacks on the inner thigh because he is in a left-handed position. Transitions well from kicks to punches. And a dangerous, sharp knee. It is best not to lose sight of him in close combat.
— He trained at the American Top Team gym and I heard good reviews about him from the Russian-speaking fighters at that gym. Have you spoken to anyone who fought with Carvalho?
“I haven’t heard anything like that, but it’s clear he’s strong.” We don’t fight with others. Look at it: 100 kg of muscle. Tested by time and other adversaries.
– How much do you weigh now?
– Now – 98 kg (Mineev will perform in the weight category up to 93 kg. – ).
— Can you imagine that one day you will have to lift 84 kg (a fighter category when practicing MMA)?
– Everything is fine, yes. On the contrary, I noticed that the weight was going well, and 98 kg is an excellent result in my case. Losing five kilos in two days is nothing for our weight. And there was only a month to prepare. If you start running in three months, then 84 kg is not such a scary figure. Start gently in three months, everything will be fine.
— What are the chances that you will fight Magomed Ismailov in 2024, at least under certain rules?
– In boxing. Not just any genre, but definitely boxing. Kamil Gadzhiev organizes a boxing match for us, we are all involved in this story. In 2024.
— How many of your colleagues will watch the fight against Carvalho and write to you where to watch?
– All. Anyone who doesn’t go to work that day or that evening. Those who take on this task will watch it on repeat later.
— Are you in contact with those in Donbass?
– Yes of course.
— In army telegram channels I read that people often buy additional tactical devices or equipment for themselves. Did you buy anything?
– Yes, almost everything. It is clear that a machine gun and basic items will be provided, but body kits for the machine gun, personal protective equipment: for the shoulders, for the groin, for the back, for the throat; thermal imaging covers, five-dot sights, collimators, night lights… armored insoles. In fact, my friends have repeatedly organized the delivery of humanitarian aid, they helped all my colleagues a lot, during this period we received about three echelons of humanitarian aid.
— Over the weekend, the UFC champion in your weight was determined. Look at ?
– Are you talking about Strickland and this or something like that…
— About Adesanya, yes.
— I read that Strickland won, but I didn’t watch it. I get up at six in the morning, but when you know you can watch it over and over… Everything’s fine, but for the moment there’s no excitement on my part.
Live broadcasts of mixed martial arts tournaments can be seen on and Match! Fighter”, as well as on the sites matchtv.ru and sportbox.ru.
Source : MatchTV
I am Ashley Ortiz and I am a professional journalist working for Athletistic. My specialty is in sports journalism, particularly boxing. I have written articles for some of the most renowned publications on the subject, and my work has been featured across both print and digital media platforms.
