Latest news with #TofiqMusayev
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Tofiq Musayev ready for 'different level' in UFC on ABC 8 debut
Tofiq Musaev enters his UFC on ABC 8 debut with a more decorated resume than most newcomers, but he knows stepping into the octagon is something unto itself. Musayev (22-5 MMA, 0-0 UFC), who won the 2019 Rizin FF lightweight grand prix and has beaten the likes of Patricky Freire, Johnny Case and Sidney Outlaw, will test himself against the 155-pound roster in the UFC starting with Saturday's matchup against Myktybek Orolbai (13-2-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC) at Baku Crystal Hall in Azerbaijan (ABC, ESPN, ESPN+). Advertisement "It's a dream of all fighters to be fighting in the UFC," Musayev said through an interpreter at Wednesday's UFC on ABC 8 media day. "It's a different level of course. I feel very lucky that I'm ere. I have fought in different organizations but this is a unique one. I have prepared well and I am going to represent my country with pride. I have prepared specifically for my opponent." Although Musayev has proven himself to be high level, there's speculation about whether, at 35, he's coming into the shark tank of the UFC's lightweight division too late to rise to the top. Only time will tell, but he intends to give it his best shot. "Age is just a number for me," Musayev said. "If anyone thinks otherwise, they shouldn't even be competing in the UFC." Advertisement "I'm focused on my opponent and later on I will focus on the next steps. This fight will determine what the next fights will be." This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC Baku: RIZIN vet Tofiq Musayev ready for 'different level' in debut
USA Today
8 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Tofiq Musayev ready for 'different level' in UFC on ABC 8 debut
Tofiq Musayev ready for 'different level' in UFC on ABC 8 debut Tofiq Musaev enters his UFC on ABC 8 debut with a more decorated resume than most newcomers, but he knows stepping into the octagon is something unto itself. Musayev (22-5 MMA, 0-0 UFC), who won the 2019 Rizin FF lightweight grand prix and has beaten the likes of Patricky Freire, Johnny Case and Sidney Outlaw, will test himself against the 155-pound roster in the UFC starting with Saturday's matchup against Myktybek Orolbai (13-2-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC) at Baku Crystal Hall in Azerbaijan (ABC, ESPN, ESPN+). "It's a dream of all fighters to be fighting in the UFC," Musayev said through an interpreter at Wednesday's UFC on ABC 8 media day. "It's a different level of course. I feel very lucky that I'm ere. I have fought in different organizations but this is a unique one. I have prepared well and I am going to represent my country with pride. I have prepared specifically for my opponent." Although Musayev has proven himself to be high level, there's speculation about whether, at 35, he's coming into the shark tank of the UFC's lightweight division too late to rise to the top. Only time will tell, but he intends to give it his best shot. "Age is just a number for me," Musayev said. "If anyone thinks otherwise, they shouldn't even be competing in the UFC." "I'm focused on my opponent and later on I will focus on the next steps. This fight will determine what the next fights will be."
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
UFC Signs MMA Fighter With Khabib and Islam Makhachev's Coach in His Corner
The UFC has added a new fighter to its lightweight division with the signing of Tofiq Musayev. The 35-year-old is a knockout artist and has a reputation for international success and devastating finishes inside the cage. A native of Azerbaijan, Musayev boasts a professional record of 22-5, including 18 of those victories via knockout. Advertisement He made his splash in Japan's promotion RIZIN and won the 2019 Lightweight Grand Prix by beating Johnny Case and Patricky "Pitbull" Freire on the same evening. Moreover, he also had a short but impressive stint in Bellator. What is so interesting about this signing is Musayev's newfound training partnership with world-renowned MMA coach Javier Mendez. For those unaware, he is the same coach responsible for the careers of ex-UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev. Currently training at American Kickboxing Academy (AKA), Musayev surrounded himself with top-level talent and guidance as he gets ready for his UFC debut sometime soon. Advertisement Prior to signing with the UFC, Musayev also fought for the Global Fight League, competing for Dubai along with veteran UFC performer Damir Ismagulov. With his combat background from top worldwide promotions and now learning from a living legend, Musayev is sure to be a thrilling addition to one of the deepest divisions of the UFC. However, life for Musayev certainly won't be easy in the UFC. The lightweight division in the UFC has some of the best fighters on the planet and despite being a veteran in the sport, there is an argument of him not having faced fighters on this level. Related: Boxing Fans Fact-Check Jake Paul for His Wrongful Gervonta Davis Claim
