AMC Fight Nights League Fighter Marif Piraev explained why he plays in Russia and is not trying to get into the UFC.
The 30-year-old fighter was a contender for the organization’s lightweight belt, but after losing to Nariman Abbasov, he moved up to the welterweight category, where he will fight alongside Maxim Butorin on November 10. During his 12-year MMA career, Piraev competed in almost all Russian leagues: WFCA, RCC, MFP and also fought in the Polish promotion KSW, losing to current number six in the UFC rankings Mateusz Gamrot .
— You are 30 years old, you have a total of 32 professional fights. Do you see yourself in the UFC?
– Not anymore, probably. There was a time when I was really excited about the UFC, I dreamed about it day and night. Now what’s the point? I’m 30 years old, I have a family and in Russia I get very good fees. More than half of the UFC members don’t earn that much. Another thing to do is to apply for a visa and leave your family for America. If I were 25, I would agree.
— Do you consider yourself one of the top 3 fighters in the UFC?
– Now I was in Thailand in a training camp, I worked with many fighters, with the same Marvin Vettori. I don’t consider myself the best, but I understand that I won’t give anything to just anyone. I worked with champions of different leagues in Russia, with champions of the best leagues in Europe and I was convinced of this. Just discipline, diet and plowing and you will have everything, ”reports the correspondent of , reporting Piraev’s words.
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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.
