The Kazakh Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) National Team captured six medals across six categories at the Sept 11-12 Mixed Martial Arts World Championship in Minsk. Kazakhstan took one gold, four silver and one bronze medals.
“First place is now our goal, and we will fight for it. Our athletes prepared long and hard for this world championship. They have had a series of training camps, even a film ‘Kazakhstan – the Country of Heroes,’ was shot [about our team and training] that will soon be premiered. We have justified our reputation. In fact, we all were considered heroes in this championship and for a good reason,” President of the Federation of Jiu-Jitsu and MMA Kazakhstan Anatoly Kim said after the Minsk event.
“We worked hard throughout the year. This is the result of our successful work, the result of the entire team. However, the coaches will work on the roster of the team for the European Championship and possibly not the top fighters will go. Right now, we are preparing several rosters. We are strengthening our national team.”
In the 70.3-kilogramme category, Rashid Dagayev of Kazakhstan defeated Ramazan Suleibanov of Russia. In the 77.1-kilogramme category, Shavkat Rakhmonov, after long referee deliberations, lost the belt to Russian Gadzhimurat Khiramagedov. In the 84-kilogramme category, Kazakh Dauren Yermekov was unable to fight for gold due to an injury from his semi-final bout. The gold was given to Russian Shamil Abdulayev.
Mokhmad Sulimanov
The champion’s title in the 93-kilogramme category was decided between Murad Abdurakhmanov of Kazakhstan and Magomed Ankalayev of Russia. Abdurakhmanov won the fight in 30 seconds with an arm bar by luring his opponent into an attack.
In the above 93-kilogramme category final, 2012 European silver medalist, 2013 world silver medalist and 2014 Asian champion Zaur Gadzhibabayev of Russia met Mokhmad Sulimanov of Kazakhstan. While Sulimanov looked good in the first round, he lost steam in the second and lost the final.
