Interview with M-1 prospect Mairbek Taisumow

Hi Mairbek, please tell us about your last fight in the M-1 selection?!

It was not as I planned. Basically because of the fact I was working hard to cut 7 kg one week before the fight. It was hard man. In the course of the fight I felt I couldn’t strike as powerful as I could. I didn’t feel strong. As for the rest, I can’t complain.

Did you experience any troubles fighting Borys Mankoswki?

The only troubles I had were regarding my gas tank. Conditioning was lacking since, as I told you, I had to cut a lot in a short time period. I’ll never do that again. It’s too tiring.

But since you participate in the M-1 Selection Western Europe lightweight Grand Prix, your next bout will again be in 70 kg, won’t it?

Yes, of course. Well, my regular weight when I train on a regular basis is 73 - 74 kg. Normally I’d fight every month, but lately, due to some circumstances, it was around 3 months for me without fights. That’s why I gained a couple kilo’s. My fight weigh is supposed to be 73 - 74 kg so it’s not an issue to cut 3 kilo’s once I have enough time for it.

Tell me about your background in martial arts. Where had you started?

Now I train everything: stand-up as well as wrestling. Basically, my discipline is MMA now, that’s what I do. Back in the days I used to play soccer but last 4 years it’s all about MMA.

I heard your previous interview where it was supposed that automatic soccer kick you threw on your opponent was because of your soccer background…

Haha, well, that could be the truth. I used to play soccer quite a lot.

When is your next fight scheduled?

It’s going to be March, 28 in Hell Cage in Czech Republic. I’m fighting a Latvian guy, who’s a very good muay thai fighter. After that I’m fighting in semifinal of M-1 Selection.

What can you say to the people following your career around the world, be it Chechen, Czechs or Russians?

I want to tell everyone thanks from the bottom of my heart. I’m grateful to everyone who roots for me. Of course my family are my biggest fans. But I want to wish everyone to stay healthy. That’s the most important. The rest you can buy.

Thank you for your time. Good luck in your next fights.

Thanks, bro.