UG Russian prospect series: Yusup Raisov
The UGs man on the ground in Chechenya, Boris Dealon, is doing an exclusive interview series with some of the hottest prospects in the Russian Invasion of MMA.
The UGs man on the ground in Chechenya, Boris Dealon, is doing an exclusive interview series with some of the hottest prospects in the Russian Invasion of mixed martial arts.
First up is featherweight Yusup “Borz” Raisov, 19. A member of Team Berkut, who looks up to noted welterweight and fellow Chechen Adlan Amagov, and shares the same nickname. Borz has good BJJ skills, and won a NAGA championship. He is coming off a unanimous decision win over Vladimir Egoyan at the PRO FC 57 event that erupted into a riot last month following a flying knee.
Boris Dealon: Please tell us how did you come to martial arts and why you did decide to tie your life with MMA.
Yusup Raisov: Since childhood I did sports and at age 8 I started karate training. About two years ago I moved to Chechen Republic and became a Berku» fighter. They gave me opportunity to compete as a pro, which I always dreamed about. I look up to my elder mates like Beslan Isaev, Adlan Amagov, and making my dreams come true.
BD: You have bene described as one of the most talented Russian featherweights. Does that inspire you or does it put pressure upon you?
YR: I think I’m not very talented fighter. I have only four fights as pro. I can’t tell that it inspires me, but I’m very glad that someone believes in me and I will try to train further to not let down my fans.
BD: MMA can’t be called high-paying kind of sport. Is it hard to earn enough money being an up and coming MMA fighter?
YR: Berkut» fighters who can show themselves in the proper way earn enough money. In general, I don’t think that on initial stage you can rely only on fights. You must have another source of income. Although having fights in organizations like UFC and earning good paying you can ensure yourself and your family.
BD: Which qualities fighter must have to be on top in MMA?
YR: First of all, fighter must be modest. These fighters who talk too much can’t always do deeds, you know. For me the most important quality is diligence. If you working hard you have all chances to accomplish everything in this sport.
BD: Thanks for taking your time. Tell something to your fans.
YR: I’m very grateful to all people who support me and in the first place it’s my family. I would like to thank all my supporters and wish them good luck.
Interviews to follow with:
Sergey Khandozhko (18-1)
Eduard Vartanyan (10-0)
Arbi Agujev (27-6)
Magomed Bibulatov (9-0)
About the author:
Boris Dealon is the founder of the popular Russian language Internet MMA portal MMAboxing.ru, a journalist, tournament organizer, and plans soon to extend his talents into fighter management.