Oktagon MMA has dubbed June 14 “Judgment Day” – all because of the third showdown between Attila Végh and Karlos Vémola. But another star-studded fight awaits in Prague’s Eden stadium. Two of the top middleweights on the Czech scene, Makhmud Muradov and Patrik Kincl, will clash for the title of interim champion.
You're considered the favorite going into your fight with Patrik Kincl. Does that put pressure on you?
What can I say. People around me say I’m the favorite, but I don’t dwell on that, so it doesn’t stress me out. I see it as a fifty-fifty chance. Whoever prepares better and can better showcase their style will win.
What do you think Patrik Kincl will come at you with?
I think he’ll try to grab me and take me down. He’ll go into it believing he’s stronger on the ground. But I don’t think so. Over the last four or five years, I’ve made huge progress in my ground game, in defense – basically in everything I used to lack or wasn’t as strong at.
There are just a few weeks left before the fight. Is your preparation going according to plan? What will you focus on in the final phase?
Training is going great. I’ve been based in Poland the whole time, only traveling to Prague on the weekends. And I’m really looking forward to the fight. I want to show – and prove to myself – that I’ve got what it takes to beat Patrik. He’s an experienced and smart fighter, but I know I can take him. The final stage will be about cutting weight. Otherwise, I’m preparing like I would for any other opponent – the only difference is that I used to train for three rounds, and now I’m going for five. I can’t wait for Eden. Last year, the announcement that I’d joined Oktagon happened there – it was an amazing show, incredible atmosphere, and I’m excited to be back.
Not long ago, you mentioned having issues with your hand. How is it now?
The hand’s fine, and I’m healthy overall. Even in my last fight, the hand held up – I was able to punch with it, and I landed shots on Enomoto in both the first and second rounds. So all good – the hand’s solid, and it’s going to be a great fight.
There's Patrik Kincl in Eden this June – what comes next?
I’ll do the June fight and then we’ll see. I’m not planning anything right now – my mind is fully focused on the Eden match.
Your long-standing struggle for permanent residency in Czechia is still ongoing?
Yes, I’m still fighting for permanent residency. I know I can get it, and I’m not giving up. I believe everyone has challenges to face in life – this just happens to be one of mine. But I’m confident we’ll get through it successfully. It just takes time, so I’m not stressing about it too much.
CV BOX
Makhmud Muradov (born February 8, 1990, in Dushanbe) is a professional mixed martial artist (MMA) and a former kickboxer and sambist.
He moved to Czechia in 2011. He began his professional MMA career in 2012 and became the first Uzbek fighter to sign with the UFC seven years later.
He was previously the middleweight champion in several Czech MMA organizations. Even before joining the American organization, he had two victories under his belt in Oktagon.
In 2020, he and singer Monika Bagárová had a daughter, Rumia. They separated in 2022. He now lives with his girlfriend Sabina.
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