Abdulaziz Datsilaev Interview (Patreon)

First of all, what was your introduction into MMA? How did you get started?
When I was ten, I started training in judo and I mixed it with football. When I turned 13, I switched to Thai boxing and my MMA career began with that.

What's your memory of when you first stepped into an MMA gym?
I remember that I was very clumsy. I lost a lot in the gym, but I always had an aspiration.

Can you talk about where you're from and where and why did you move?
I'm from the small town of Kizilyurt, it is located in the Republic of Dagestan, about thirty thousand people live there. By the way, Khabib is also from there. I moved to the US because here, the top of MMA is the UFC and some of the strongest fighters in the world gather here, I want to become the best and compete at a high level.

What team do you train with and who are some of your main sparring partners?
I train with the Kill Cliff team, I consider it as one of the best *gyms) in the world. There are so many monsters training with a high level of skills. Here each sparring partner is strong in their aspect.

You had an extensive amateur career. What was the reasoning behind taking so many fights? What made you decide to go pro when you did? What was your biggest takeaway from your amateur career?
The reason that I have a great amateur career is because I was burning with it.  I wanted to become the best. I understood that this (amateur) career would prepare me for a pro career.  That I would have experience and experience very important and it would help me a lot in my pro career. I wanted to go pro at 18, but my older brother wouldn’t let me. I think it was the right thing to do and I turned pro when I turned 21, then I felt stronger for the pros.

What are your accomplishments in all combat sports?
Winning the World Combat Sambo Championship and winning the Russian MMA Championship. I think if I start listing all my achievements now, it will take up a lot of space. Let's just say that I participated in such disciplines as Sambo, MMA, hand-to-hand combat, Thai boxing, kickboxing, judo, Wushu Sanda, Kung Fu, grappling, BJJ, karate, football, rugby, I performed everywhere wherever possible.

You kinda of went viral for your training footage with Ilia Topuria was released. How do you think it went and is it true you got the best of him?
You know, it‘s just sparring, there are different feelings in combat and sparring. We had three tight rounds and we didn‘t give in to eachother and the last round turned out to be bloody, Topuria is in his rightful place.

Did you have any inspirations when you got in the sport?
When I was four, I watched Pride for the first time, and I liked it and I was excited about it. I was always interested in fighting in the ring and in a big arena with a lot of people in the arena.

For anyone who's never seen you fight what would you tell them to expect?
Watch and support me now because my time will come when I will dominate the lightweight division. A new star will soon appear in this weight class

What is your goal? Is it the UFC or are you open to ONE, Bellator, and PFL?
My goal is UFC gold because it’s like the Olympic Games in judo.

Why do you fight and who do you fight for?
I fight because it gives me pleasure when you are standing in the ring and there is another guy across from you and we find out who is stronger These feelings cannot be described in any way.