25 year-old Magomed Sultanakhmedov (26-4) hails from the Gorets Team that is located in Dagestan, Russia. In the opening round of middleweight Grand Prix he knocked out Pavel Kusch (6-0) from the Ukraine.
Magomed, how had you been introduced to the sport of Martial Arts?
It all happened by a chance. Back in 1996 a schoolmate of mine invited me to train muay thai. Well, I agreed to take a look at that. Then the trainer came by, funny thing is that he was new there and didn’t know everyone by face. So he sees me sitting on the bench and basically just drags me into the training session. That’s how it all started. Our trainer had a gift – he was able to draw attention of the students and help them focus on the sport. Consequently, I added boxing and karate to that. I was a little kid and back then I was too young to evaluate the advantages of certain Martial Arts. Probably I could have become a prominent wrestler, had I chosen it instead of muay thai. But I fell in love with striking and never looked back.
When and how did you transition to MMA?
In 2001 when I won the European Junior muay thai Championship. Ismail Aliamatov visited our gym and invited me to take part in a MMA tournament held in Rostov-on-Don, Russia. I gave it a try. My opponent was quite famous Russian fighter Islam Karimov who is a head coach at Legion today. I defeated him in the second round when his corner threw in the towel. It greatly boosted my confidence.
Who trains you today?
It’s Musail Allaudinov.
Do you prefer a stand-up fight or try to demonstrate your skills on the ground, too?
I told you about my background. So I’d rather finish the fight with strikes.
In your opinion, what Martial Arts are better to applicable to MMA?
An all-round fighter is supposed to master his skills in every aspect of the game, however we all come from a distinct sport. Actually, it all comes down to knowing your opponent and setting up a particular strategy.
What is MMA for you? Do you look to achieve financial security through that and to set up your future thanks to MMA?
Well, I see it as a means to provide my family in the future, although I don’t have any specific plans in respect to it. Of course I graduated from Dagestan State University with Economic diploma but currently MMA is my field.
What was your most memorable fight to date?
Wow, I’ve had so many fights already. I had 31 MMA fight of which 80% I didn’t let it go to the judges. A lost 4 of them. The one that stands out, although in a negative context is when I fought against undefeated Arthur Guseinov at M-1 Selection 2009 1. Our battle was so close. Initially, the judges announced the additional third round but shortly after just gave the W to Guseinov. I have no idea why they would do that. But I also remember the fight I won in Korea and got the biggest purse.
Are you married?
Yes, actually I married just 2 months ago.
What’s your wife’s attitude towards your fighting career?
Oh, it’s quite bad, you know.
Have you experienced the evolution of Mixed Martial Arts?
Yes, indeed. It gets tougher and tougher to win with every year. The opposition level keeps growing steadily. The athletes develop various skills and can compete in the stand up as well as on the ground. Sometimes you can’t even tell what your opponent’s background is. That’s good. That keeps the sport alive.
Do you watch foreign MMA events?
For a long time I’ve been watching closely only the strongest fighter on this planet, that is, Fedor Emelianenko. Others I watch occasionally. There was Mirko Cro Cop Filipovic but obviously he’s part his prime.
Why did you sign to participate in M-1 Selection?
I’ve always wanted to get I contact with legendary Red Devil. Besides, I believe M-1 Selection gives a great opportunity to a fighter and helps him grow professionally.
