Gaziev Abdulgadzhi: One of Kyrgyzstan’s Brightest Prospects
It’s no secret that most martial artists around the world have a goal of making it to a major organization. For some that would require traveling around the globe, experiencing new cultures and starting a new way of life, which could be a game changer. However, there isn’t anyone or anything that could knock Gaziev Abdulgadzhi (17-1-1) off his path to greatness.
Abdulgadzhi has made quite the name for himself over the last few years as one of Kyrgyzstan’s brightest MMA prospects. Prior to making his pro debut in 2014, Abdulgadhzi took part in over 140 amateur bouts coming out on top in 130 of them. Fast Forward eight years later and the Kyrgyzstaian phenom is a veteran of 19 professional MMA bouts earning finishes in over half of his victories. Not to mention, Abdulgadzhi is a four-time pro MMA champion, after securing the MMA Series featherweight title back in January, and is riding a 14-fight unbeaten run. Despite having a resume loaded with accolades and accomplishments, it was clear that his mindset and desire are just a few aspects that make him the fighter he is today.
“I’m willing to give my life in that cage,” he explained. “I want to build a legacy and make history.”
At a young age, Abdulgadzhi found himself wrestling with his friends. They later brought him to a local gym, which was where it all started. He feel in love with mixed martial arts and was addicted to the sport right from the jump. As life progressed and he created this path for his future, he began to find inspiration from the likes of MMA legends, Jose Aldo, Khabib Nurmagomedov and Georges St-Pierre. Being from a country relatively close to Russia and doing some training in Dagestan, it’s relatively common for wrestlers and mixed martial artists to find Nurmagomedov’s in cage antics admirable. However, it’s what the former UFC lightweight champion does outside the cage as well that makes Abdulgadzhi look up to him.
The 29-year-old does his training at Gorets FT and Khabib Nurmagomedov’s school in Kyrgyzstan. In his time sharpening his skills, he’s shared training sessions with elite level martial artists including Zabit Magomedsharipov and former UFC bantamweight champion, Petr Yan. Not only does he evolve his skillset in this time, but it seems that this gives him an edge over opponents in willingness and mentality. Abdulgadzhi clearly has that kill-or-be-killed mindset when it comes to stepping into the cage and he knows that is something he needs in order to achieve one of his goals of being on the UFC roster.
“I know it will take blood, sweat and tears to achieve greatness,” he said. “It is my dream to compete in the UFC.”
Representing his home country is a priority for the Kyrgyzstan native. He dreams about going into an arena across the globe, bright lights raining down, and Bruce Buffer blaring out his hometown of Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Abdulgadzhi is not only one of Kyrgyzstan’s top featherweight’s, but he’s also one of the top prospect in the entire region of Central Asia. Despite his quality accolades, he feels that he has yet to accomplish his greatest achievement. However, it’s safe to say if he keeps showing these results and bringing home hardware, his time will come.
Getting to showcase his skillset in an organization in the United States would be a huge step for Abdulgadzhi. At just 29-years-old, riding a 14-fight unbeaten streak, he knows he will prove everyone wrong who doesn’t believe in him when the time comes. With that being said, he just needs an opportunity.
It won’t take much for Gaziev Abdulgadzhi to make a name for himself on a global scale. He knows he will put on a show for fight fans and represent his country with pride whenever he’s given the chance.
