Video: Hulking Olympian Ayaal Lazarev wins debut in seconds – with Raul Rosas Jr. in corner
Video: Hulking Olympian Ayaal Lazarev wins debut in seconds – with Raul Rosas Jr. in corner
A hulking Kyrgyzstani Olympian has officially arrived in the world of MMA.
Ayaal Lazarev, a heavyweight wrestler who competed in three Olympic Games, made his debut at a recent event in Northern California, and it only lasted 13 seconds.
Lazarev (1-0) dispatched of opponent Mike Morales (7-12-1) in short order as the headliner of a Hard Fought Championship event May 3 in Blue Lake, Calif.
In his corner was rising UFC star Raul Rosas Jr. and his sister Kenia Rosas Martinez. It's unclear how long Lazarev, 39, has worked with the family, but he cornered Rosas Jr. in the UFC in March.
While he's new to MMA competition, Lazarev has a decorated wrestling career. He appeared in the 2016, 2020, and 2024 Olympic Games. While he came up short in multiple Olympic bronze medal matches, Lazarev has medaled in international competition around the world – including in the Asian Championships, Asian Games, and Individual World Cup.
While it's unclear what his aspirations are, Lazarev ran through his first MMA test with ease. Check out full video of the fight above.
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