Mixed martial arts are gradually returning after a break due to the coronavirus pandemic. The leadership of the Russian promotion company ACA announced the resumption of competitions under its auspices, the first of which will be held on July 11. And already on July 24 there will be a duel between Alexander Emelianenko and Magomed Ismailov, which many MMA lovers are looking forward to.

The remaining participants, as well as the venues of the battles, will become known later. In total, the ACA intends to hold four tournaments before the end of summer.

“We had to leave for a forced break, and for us he dragged on. But, as experts say, the disease slowly but surely recedes. In this regard, over the past two weeks we have held several video meetings with the leadership of the ACA league, and we decided to start our work in July on a full scale ... Therefore, tune in to a busy summer period. I hope that the ACA team, as always, will be on top, and the fighters are charged for powerful fights, ”said Mayrbek Khasiev, the head of the promotion.

Emelianenko and Ismailov were to meet on April 3 at the Moscow VTB Arena. However, due to the pandemic, the battle was postponed to July.

Meanwhile, the rivals continue to prepare for the match, while not forgetting to exchange harsh statements about each other. 

So, in an interview, Emelianenko said that Ismayilov’s only skill is to knock down and hold an opponent.

“I don’t understand why Magomed gained another 20 kilograms. If he thinks this will save him, then he is deeply mistaken. I’m more than sure that it will not be enough for three rounds and that he will not be able to do anything to me, ”suggested Emelianenko.

In response, Ismailov ridiculed the opponent’s statement, noting that he still loves to chat.

“Everything that he does not understand now will be understood in a cage on July 24,” the fighter assured.

Of course, preparation for battle is not limited to verbal skirmishes. Emelianenko continues to upload fragments of his training to the network. Judging by the latest videos, he focused on the percussion technique. According to the fighter, he is engaged in the methodology of Muhammad Ali.

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Publication by Alexander Emelyanenko (@alexemelyanenko) May 30, 2020 at 1:50 PDT

And Ismailov’s preparatory process was overshadowed by the news that his coach Vladimir Osiya was detained on suspicion of organizing the killing and possession of drugs. The fighter himself supported his long-standing mentor, who led him to the title of world champion in combat sambo.

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Posted by Magomed Ismailov (@maga_isma) May 29, 2020 at 4:06 pm PDT

The detention of Hosea became known on May 25. It is assumed that he was one of the organizers of the murder of businessman Nikolai Leonov, who was near Moscow, that happened last June. In addition, according to media reports, during the search he found drugs. In addition to him, four more people are involved in the case.

Many were shocked by what happened, since Hosea enjoyed great authority in the world of Russian MMA and was one of the most respected trainers. Some expressed the hope that the accusations against him would be groundless.

“We spoke well with him, not only as colleagues. We have our own team. Ask any coach who knows him - no one will believe this. It is understandable if he was quick-tempered and aggressive, but he was never in conflict. Vladimir defended his point of view, but so with any student, any coach. I don’t believe that he is represented almost by the organizer of the murder, ”Shamil Alibatyrov, head coach of the Russian MMA team, told Sport24.

As for the further plans of both opponents, Leon Warriors expressed their readiness to organize a duel between Emelianenko and former Bellator middleweight champion Alexander Shlemenko. In March of this year, Emelianenko challenged him to a boxing match, but he agreed to meet with him only by the rules of mixed martial arts.

The promotion said that negotiations are currently underway regarding the battle, but Shlemenko himself said that no one had contacted him on this issue. In addition, he assured that he was not interested in Emelianenko, although he acknowledged that their meeting could be a significant event in the world of MMA.

“There are no prerequisites for our meeting. It seemed to me that we found common ground. Honestly, I’m fighting with Alexander neither to the village, nor to the city. I do not see the point. I’m moving towards the UFC, ”said Shlemenko.

At the same time, Vladimir Mineev may claim a duel with both fighters. The organization of his meeting with Emelianenko was declared by the president of Fight Night Global Kamil Gadzhiev, and they are ready to conduct a battle with Ismailov in Leon Warriors.