Russian fighter Edouard Vartanian in an interview with , he said he would attempt to sign a contract with the UFC, but would continue his career in Russia if he failed to reach an agreement with the American promotion before June.
The 32-year-old Vartanyan’s MMA stats are 25 wins, 4 losses. The Russian is on a streak of eight consecutive victories, the last of which came in the ASA League Grand Prix final. At the end of 2023, Vartanyan flew to the United States, but could not sign a contract with the UFC or participate in one of the tournaments on short notice. On March 6, Vartanyan fought in the “Our Business” promotion, defeating former UFC fighter Damir Ismagulov under K-1 rules with MMA gloves.
— They are talking about your possible fight with Alexander Sarnavsky. You defeated him in 2017. As many believe, Sarnavsky would not have had a fight back then, but he has now evolved into this area. What have you improved since then?
“I also improved in wrestling, versatility and transitions from wrestling to striking. This was visible even during our confrontation according to K-1 rules with Damir Ismagulov, when I grabbed Damir and he immediately fell to the ground.
— Alexander Sarnavsky says the maximum weight was 85 kilograms. What was your maximum weight in life?
– 89 kilograms. I tore my knee and had limited mobility, so my weight increased.
— What do your negotiations with the UFC look like now?
– From now on, during the tournament on March 9 or after, my managers will have a meeting with Sean Shelby and Hunter Campbell (UFC matchmakers – ), they have prepared a video for them, they will meet and discuss.
– Do you still want to go?
– Yes, I still want to get there, but I gave it until June. If it doesn’t work out, I will be ready to lead the tournament in Kazakhstan and fight in MMA with Damir. I think that would dot the i’s.
— You’ve had quite a few professional fights, and many of them have been difficult. Is there such a thing as accumulated damage being felt? Do you feel like an MMA veteran?
— No, I’m not a veteran for health reasons, but after neck surgery I became third degree disabled.
– It’s official ?
– No, I did not officially pass the commission, but I was able to pass and receive the necessary documents. I would like to park for free in Moscow. Although I already park for free in Moscow, it is not in a place reserved for disabled people, but because I have many children.
— Magomed Ismailov says: “You just don’t know that I get up in the morning, it hurts here, it hurts here, I already need time to get up to speed and go to the gym.”
– No, everything is not as sad for me as for Magomed. I get up with pleasure. It’s clear from my fights that I really love this business,” Vartanyan told .
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.
