Last October ACB held their first event in Brazil where Berkut Fighter, Imran Abaev, stopped the losing streak of Russian fighters that night by beating hometown fighter Luiz Dutra Jr by unanimous decision. Next, he is scheduled to face yet another Brazilian - Ismael De Jesus, who defeated the upcoming prospect Ismail Naurdiev in his last fight at ACB 70. Imran has shared his thoughts about the previous fight and his upcoming bout at ACB 80 in Krasnodar.
Give us your thoughts on your performance and your last win in Brazil at ACB 73?
- It was a short notice fight for me. I only got the name of opponent five days before the fight. I was getting ready in Tolstoy-Yurt for the Canadian card (ACB 72). My opponent was a very experienced fighter and also physically stronger than me. We were planning to fight all three rounds. We planned particular things that I needed do in each round. I think by executing that gameplan I got a decisive victory.
Give us your thoughts on your next opponent - Ismail De Jesus?
- He's a crafty, unpredictable fighter. He's good both striking and on the ground. His conditioning is great, he has a couple decision wins on his record. I'm getting ready at the Berkut gym and we're doing a lot of specific work for him. I'll try to execute my gameplan and with God's help I'll try to outstrike him.
Tell us a little bit about your ambitions here in ACB?
- I've had a lot of tough opponents but I'd like to test myself against top guys like Tumenov, Cooper etc. Let's hope that the upcoming fight will help me to figure out the next step.
