Russian RCC fighter Ivan Shtyrkov in a conversation with , he admitted he was surprised by the decision Magomed Ismailova take a risky fight with Anatoly Tokov at the ASA tournament.
Ismailov and Tokov will face each other on March 9 in Moscow at the ASA tournament, dedicated to the 10th anniversary of the league.
– It’s a big fight. I was a little surprised that Maga came back to the ASA, if only for one fight. Besides, I noticed that the ASA league was starting to move towards media battles. And such a duel between Ismailov and Tokov is very cool. Why didn’t they do it before… Everything comes with experience. High-profile fights like these allow viewers to see other cool fights, and in the ACA, they are cool in competitive sports terms. Fights like Ismailov-Tokov will help bring more attention to their tournaments. It is very good. And the fight itself… It’s cool, they have a story.
As for my predictions, I still think the chances are 50-50. So far, as I understand it, there is no clarity on the number of rounds. If three for five minutes, then it’s definitely 50/50. The magician will have enough speed and non-standard work. And five par five with Tokov is already more difficult. And here, distance can start to play against Ismailov.
I heard Tokov was accused. He picks a good side. I think it will be difficult for Maga. And it will be hard for both of them. Magi hasn’t had opponents like this in MMA for a very long time, and he needs to come down to 84kg.
— So Alexander Shlemenko is not such a rival for Ismailov? Ismailov defeated Shlemenko by unanimous decision in a five-round fight in December 2022 at the RCC tournament.
– Compared to Tokov? No. Tokov lost after five rounds in the Bellator championship fight to a very tough guy (Johnny Eblin, February 3, by unanimous decision – Note: ). Yes, Tokov was impregnated and imported. But we’ve seen what Tokov can do in stand-up. And he doesn’t really lose in the fight… Tokov, with good preparation and the condition he can be in, is a terrible opponent. I really like Tokov – his punching power, his holding power, his will. I’m not speaking from experience.
Yes, and the Magician can also seriously surprise with his atypical ways. But in MMA, he hasn’t fought such opposition in a long time. I’m not saying Shlemenko is a weak opponent or anything. But this is not the Shlemenko who was… Neither hungry nor angry.
Now people are walking around and gushing that he beat Alexander Ilic in a rematch. Ilic, who doesn’t know how to defend against one-legged passes, who falls when the wind blows, who doesn’t know how to get up… It was just a smart approach from a tactical point of view on the part of Alexander. In their first fight, he missed this lucky shot. And Tokov is scary… He’s a very strong fighter. Their fight with Maga should be tough, everything should be at a high level, especially if there are three rounds of five minutes each. This announcement cheered me up… Because Maga accepted it. Maga understands that fighting Tokov is a big risk. But ASA, apparently, knows how to make the right proposals,” Shtyrkov told .
Ismailov is 37 years old, during his MMA career he won 18 victories, suffered three defeats and one fight ended in a draw. Tokov, 33, has 30 wins and three losses. In May 2013, Tokov defeated Ismailov ahead of schedule.
All ASA tournaments are broadcast live on and Match! Combattant”. The ASA 169 tournament, which will take place on January 26, will be broadcast live on and Match! Combattant”. Broadcast on begins at 9:45 p.m. Moscow time, and on Match! Fighter” – at 7:30 p.m. Moscow time
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.
