ABU DHABI – Ismail Naurdiev was shocked when the UFC pink slip got here by his e mail in 2020.
He went 2-2 with the promotion earlier than he was launched. However a bit of greater than 4 years later, he’s again on the promotion’s roster – profitable fights as soon as once more.
At UFC 308 on Saturday at Etihad Area, Naurdiev (24-7 MMA, 3-2 UFC) dominated seasoned veteran Bruno Silva (23-12 MMA, 4-6 UFC) en path to a unanimous choice victory.
“It feels wonderful,” Naurdiev advised MMA Junkie and different reporters at a post-fight information convention. “I really feel so grateful to be again, particularly a win in opposition to that sort of opponent. It’s for certain one thing massive and can convey me up within the rankings.”
Naurdiev, 28, went 4-3 throughout his time between UFC stints, competing primarily for BRAVE CF within the Center East. Over the course of that point, Naurdiev mentioned he discovered lots and has a a lot completely different strategy to the battle sport.
“I’m a lot, a lot stronger,” Naurdiev mentioned. “I’m rather more mature (and) a lot, significantly better and quicker proper now. The primary run within the UFC, I used to be too younger and too excited. I didn’t actually have a proper crew and proper coaches who have been telling me do, what to do. I used to be additionally too naive, doing all that loopy stuff and issues. Now, I’ve an excellent crew, a terrific crew. I belief them. There was a plan. They advised me, ‘Please, man. You keep in mind your final run within the UFC. This time, take heed to us. Simply observe the plan and you will notice all the pieces works out.”
If potential, Naurdiev needs to return Feb. 8 at UFC 312 in Sydney. However there’s a giant choice he’ll have to make earlier than accepting a battle. Saturday’s bout was at middleweight, however Naurdiev considers himself extra of a welterweight.
“I noticed an announcement for February in Sydney,” Naurdiev mentioned. “That might be fascinating for me. I needed at all times to go to Sydney. … To be sincere, no. Truly, I’m a welterweight. To begin with, after we return, I’ve received to debate with my crew. So what can we do subsequent? Keep at middleweight or welterweight? Let’s see how my weight goes, if I’m heavy or not. We are going to see from there. However first I’ll take pleasure in my victory. ”
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