Nestled in the heart of Central Asia, Kazakhstan—the nation that birthed warriors like boxing icon Gennady Golovkin and rising Ultimate Fighting Championship welterweight star Shavkat Rakhmonov—displays a vibrant panorama of combat sports proficiency. Its warriors embody a nomadic spirit steeped in valor and adaptability, a testament to a historical lifestyle intricately connected to the vast steppes.
One such athlete is Azat Maksum, who has emerged as a formidable force among the fresh wave of talents from that region. Rapidly ascending through the ranks of the flyweight division, Maksum epitomizes the tenacity and skill synonymous with his Kazakh heritage. Sporting an undefeated record of 17-0, the rising phenom is poised to face Charles Johnson at UFC Fight Night 235 this Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. As Maksum looks forward to scripting a chapter in the ongoing saga of Kazakh warriors conquering the global stage, we take a look at five things that you might not know about him:
1. His building blocks were put in place early on.
Within the quaint village of the Balkhash District in Kazakhstan, Maksum, a future mixed martial arts prospect, took his first steps in 1995 on the journey that would lead him to the thrilling battlefronts of the global stage. Relocating to the bustling city of Almaty at a young age, Maksum and his family settled in the Karasay District, surrounded by the majestic mountains that would become the backdrop for his early adventures. Biking through these scenic terrains and running up the slopes, Maksum inadvertently initiated the development of the endurance that would later characterize his competence in the sport.
2. Athletic interests extended beyond the martial arts.
Before stepping inside the cage, Maksum’s journey began on the soccer fields. Alongside his friends, he formed a local soccer team that participated in tournaments and clinched several victories, foreshadowing the competitive spirit that would become Maksum’s hallmark. Yet, the call of freestyle wrestling beckoned, capturing Maksum’s interest in his early teens. A quick ascent through national competitions showcased his resilience and skill, providing a solid base for his eventual foray into mixed martial arts.
3. A well-rounded upbringing bolstered his support system.
After graduating from the Kazakh National Agrarian University, Maksum embraced the challenge of MMA. His childhood adventures, triumphs on the soccer field, mountain biking escapades and wrestling victories converged into a robust foundation for his journey in combat sports.
4. He excelled in academia.
The 28-year-old’s journey to MMA excellence is as diverse as his skill set inside the cage. Maksum is armed with a bachelor’s degree in Forestry from the Agricultural University, specializing in fire watch. Before stepping into the cage, Maksum navigated the world of confectionery, showcasing his versatility beyond the realm of fighting. He is also a jiu-jitsu master’s degree candidate and holds a master’s degree in Zhekpe-Zhek, a form of martial arts or combat sports in Kazakhstan.
4. A stellar 2017 campaign launched his career.
Embarking on his remarkable journey in 2017, Maksum scripted an unrivaled saga of success with a sequence of captivating finishes. In a display of versatility, Maksum’s arsenal included the artistry of submissions, the precision of knockouts and strategic decisions that set the stage for his undefeated status. The climax of this initial chapter in 2017 unfolded in his victory over Damir Tolegenov, as a dominant unanimous decision sealed the deal.