Makhmud Muradov thriving under pressure as Uzbekistan’s first UFC fighter
LONDON – Makhmud Muradov beat Bryan Barberena with a unanimous decision Saturday on the preliminary card at UFC Fight Night 224 at The O2 in London.
Take a look inside the fight with Muradov, who got back in the win column after the first two-fight skid of his career.
Bryan Barberena vs. Makhmud Muradov
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Result: Makhmud Muradov def. Bryan Barberena via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Updated records: Muradov (26-8 MMA, 4-2 UFC), Barberena (18-11 MMA, 9-9 UFC)
Key stat: Muradov landed 13 of 16 takedown attempts and had more than 5 minutes of control time. He also did well on the feet and had a pair of knockdowns.
Muradov on the fight's key moment
“I’m feeling good because I worked a lot for this fight. I put everything (into it) and focused on my fight. You see a lot of fighters and people talking: I don’t have wrestling. (Saturday), I showed wrestling (and) standup, and it’s good win for me, for my country and for my team. It’s good. I’m very happy.”
Muradov on winning in the UFC
“My life is a dream. I’m from Uzbekistan – big country, and a small city in Bukhara. When I was starting in the sport, I didn’t believe I’d stay here. Now I’m giving you an interview. It’s a dream for a lot of young fighters. I’m first Uzbekistan fighter (in the UFC) – it’s (a population of) 35 million. It’s not small. And I’m first. I’m here. It’s my start now.”
Muradov on what he wants next
“I’m here to fight. I’m ready for everything. Maybe for me, it’s good (to come back in) November in Madison Square Garden (at UFC 295) because there are a lot of Uzbek(istan) people (there) – my army, my fans. I like my fans. Money is good, good contract – but it’s not everything.”
To hear more from Muradov, check out the video of the full post-fight interview above.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 224.
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