Tofiq Musayev on Alexander Shabliy “Don’t See Anything Extraordinary”
Tofiq Musayev tests skills with Alexander Shabliy at Bellator 292 on March 10th.
Musayev appeared on Bowks Talking Bouts to discuss being a part of this spectacular lightweight grand prix, the machinations of this matchup, plus so much more.
Tofiq Musayev
Musayev being a bit surprised by his opening round opponent in this 155 lb GP
“Yeah, I was preparing to fight Patricky Pitbull even after my fight with Sidney Outlaw. He tweeted as a post that he was looking forward to meeting everyone. That’s the fight to make, that’s the fight that makes sense. But unfortunately in the end, the game flipped and I didn’t get the fight.”
Being the number one contender without a title shot and finally having a competitive framework that guides Musayev directly toward the lightweight crown
“Of course, it’s every fighter’s dream to be the champion, to fight for the belt. I’m here for that as well. So I’m ready and I’m looking forward to that moment.”
Bellator 292
Musayev’s thoughts on Alexander Shabliy’s resume, skillset as a fighter, and specifically his last win which was a TKO over former divisional kingpin Brent Primus
“Yeah, I don’t see anything. I respect him as a fighter. But I don’t see anything extraordinary in his game. Whose game plan is going to work better is going to win this fight. I came here to win only… It didn’t surprise me what he did with Brent Primus but my personal opinion, we’re going to show a great fight. Because our styles match and it should be a very entertaining and exciting fight to watch.”
Getting to be more active throughout 2023 in this grand prix after logging only a single fight in 2022 and one bout in 2021
“It’s already happened once before in my life and I don’t think it’s strange to me. I’m mentally prepared to face this whole system. I’m ready.”
Bellator MMA
Thoughts on the Bellator vs Rizin NYE event and thoughts on Musayev’s desire to be involved in a hypothetical sequel event on New Year’s Eve
“Yeah, it was a great event. I think it would be even more entertaining and interesting if I would be on that card as well. But I was preparing for my upcoming bout, so. I hope at some future event in Japan, I would be there because I love performing in front of the Japanese crowd… Of course, of course. I would love to perform on that day. If the organization thinks it’s right then of course I would want to do it.”
