Bellator 263’s Islam Mamedov on going twelve years unbeaten in MMA

Islam Mamedov tests skills against Brent Primus at Bellator 263 in a consequential lightweight prizefight. This clash between talented 155 pounders goes down on Saturday, July 31st, and emanates from The Forum in Inglewood, California.

The relatively anomalous weekend offering from Bellator broadcasts on Showtime.

Mamedov has not been defeated across his last nineteen MMA fights. The PFL and UAE Warriors vet makes his promotional debut against former Bellator MMA divisional kingpin Brent Primus.

Islam Mamedov’s last bout saw him wrench out a third-round kneebar victory Martun Mezhlumyan at UAE Warriors 14 in November.

Brent Primus has secured back-to-back victories since dropping the Bellator MMA lightweight title to Michael Chandler during their rematch.

The American Top Team Portland product has notched consecutive first-round submission finishes. Victories coming over Tim Wilde and Chris Bungard at Bellator Birmingham and Bellator 240, respectively.

Though he has subsequently had a pair of Submission Underground forays where he split a pair of contests, Primus has not competed in the Bellator cage since February 2020. He seems to be chomping at the bit to re-introduce himself to the picture.

I spoke with Islam Mamedov at the Bellator 263 media day. To get some insights into how one maintains a blemish devoid run of MMA contests for well over a decade.

Islam Mamedov excerpt

Question: It’s been just over 12 years unbeaten for Islam (only lost in his second fight overall). I’m kind of wondering what does he credit that level of consistency and longevity to in the sport of MMA?

Through a translator, Islam Mamedov stated, “As you said consistency. Consistency is the key. Even if I don’t have a fight or I have injuries, layovers, I always train. I always train like I have a fight. I have to prepare for someone. Also, I am training with a team like that. So that’s probably the key to my success.”

Mic check one, two 🎤

I got insights from Islam Mamedov at #Bellator263 media day about going 12 years unbeaten and the reasons for that longevity

Via Sherdog's Youtube channel pic.twitter.com/YTHPqChGy1

— Bowks (@DylanBowker) July 28, 2021

Dylan Bowker

I've been enamored with combat sports for as long as I can remember. I've hosted MMA talk shows Lights Out and Pure Fight Radio with featured guests like Jens Pulver, Roy Nelson, Miesha Tate, Mark Coleman, and more. I've been an MMA broadcaster for XFFC as well as BTC and have done play by play commentary on live pay per view on GFL as well as FITE TV. I've provided written, audio, and video content covering some of the biggest MMA promotions like Rumble in the Cage, Unified MMA, and King of the Cage. I've worked as a sports entertainment personality for over five years and given play-by-play or featured promotions of KSW, ONE Championship, TKO, and Invicta FC. My work can be found in the USA Today Sports affiliate MMA Torch, Cageside Press, MMA Sucka, and Liberty Multimedia.

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