As he enters a field with familiar names including former champions Rob Wilkinson, Impa Kasanganay and former finalist Joshua Silveira, Yagshimuradov will be looking to prove he belongs. Speaking to Sherdog.com, he discussed his mentality coming into the playoffs and what he plans to show the world against Wilkinson on Aug. 16.
“I’m approaching this fight seriously like any other fight, I always take my opponent seriously,” he said “We had a good camp, nothing to complain about, we are grinding.”
Not only is Yagshimuradov undefeated to kick off his tenure with the PFL, but he’s currently riding a five-fight winning streak he attributes to his focus on the task at hand.
“First off it’s a vision and a goal. I know what I’m working for and also, it’s hard work. I always give 100 percent, I always train hard, and obviously the conditions I’m in right now at American Top Team, it’s one of the best gyms in the world, I have the best coaches, a good team to train with, I think all of this is the secret to my success.”
Taking on a former champion in Wilkinson gives Yagshimuradov an opportunity to show he belongs among the best, and he is willing to go wherever the fight leads him to prove it.
“Rob I think is a very good opponent, obviously he’s a former champ that means he has certain skills at a certain level, I’m looking forward to this fight. It’s definitely a challenging opponent. When it comes to the fight, I don’t have certain plans, I go with the fight as it develops, I’m ready for anything. If he wants to wrestle, we’re going to wrestle, if he wants to exchange striking, well, I’m going to drop him. Fans should definitely expect a spectacular fight.”
Having been a champion in Absolute Championship Akhmat, Yagshimuradov feels he has the edge in experience over Wilkinson, which he claims will be a major factor in their matchup. If he takes care of business against Wilkinson, he will await the winner of Kasanganay vs. Silveira and he understands that all the sacrifices he’s made during the 2024 Season, will have been worth it.
“It’s a big motivation [to become champion]. Listen, I’ve been away from my family for seven months now. You have to train constantly, grind, stay busy, improve, but that’s the way I see it. If you want to get somewhere, you have to sacrifice. You have to sacrifice comfort, get out of your comfort zone, and go and get that, that’s how you become a champion.”