Mixed martial arts is in the beginning of the Russian Invasion. Wrestling is demonstrably the best base for the sport – of the eight male UFC division champions, five are Americans, with folkstyle wrestling as a base. But the US is far from a superpower in international wrestling.
At the 2014 world championship, the US managed 10th in freestyle, and was outside the top 10 in Greco-Roman. By contrast, Russia was 1st in freestyle and 2nd in Greco.
Now 27-year-old, 6′ 5″ 285 lbs., three-time world champion Bilyal “Bill” Makhov is expressing interest in MMA. Noted trainer Murat “Master K” Keshtov says in six months, he could beat Cain Velasquez. First though, Makhov has his heart set on winning a gold medal at the 2016 Olympics, or maybe two (he competes in both freestyle and Greco).
To those who have never heard of me, I want to assure you: You will hear about me, said Makhov to John Morgan for MMAjunkie, through an interpreter.
You may be wondering why he isn’t an Olympic gold medalist. He was unable to compete in 2008 due to perhaps intentional mercury poisoning, and took bronze in 2012. Then he started thinking about MMA.
I’ve played around with the idea before but never thought about it too seriously until now, said Makhov. I am planning on testing myself in MMA in the near future.
I’m the type of guy who is constantly looking to challenge himself, to push the limits and see how far I can take it. For example, after a long and successful career in freestyle wrestling, I decided to try my hand in the Greco-Roman style. I always enjoy challenges, and MMA would be the next logical step.
Makhov’s MMA trainer sport, Murat “Master K” Keshtov of K Dojo Warrior Tribe, offers a bold prediction.
Give me six months to work with him, and we will take the UFC heavyweight belt to Russia, said Keshtov.
Makhov promised hard work.
First of all, I want to say that it is great to be engaged in any kind of sport – so many positive things come out of training and living an athletic lifestyle, said Makhov. And of course, MMA is especially good since it includes such a terrific range of so many athletic skills as well as mental aspects.
Lastly, I want to say, if you have not heard anything about Bilyal Makhov, you will. And when you hear about Bilyal Makhov, you will never forget him and you will be talking about him for a long time.
Check out Makhov in the finals at the 2015 Russian Greco nationals:
