“Crazy time for me”: Jan about the fight for the UFC title, “Fight Island” and the memory of Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov

- How long did it take to get to Fight Island?

- They didn’t get there for long. We flew from Phuket to Bangkok, spent about 11 - 12 hours at the hotel there, and from there we headed to Fight Island. Upon arrival here we were met, immediately settled by numbers and for two days all were in quarantine. Took tests for COVID-19. Already today came results that turned out to be negative. Therefore, now we move freely.

- Compared to Thailand, the UAE has a different level of humidity. How comfortable are you?

- Of course, the climate is different. But to exclude thoughts about it, it was worth coming earlier. However, this was not possible. Therefore, I prefer not to think about it, to focus on the fight and prepare for it.

- Earlier you said that even if the borders are closed, you will even be ready to swim to the “Fight Island” ...

- Then I added a bit of humor. But this is because of the desire (to take part in a duel). I am very glad that in the end we were able to fly here.

- Many fans saw a photo of an octagon standing in the middle of the beach. People wonder, is there really going to be a fight?

- I get a lot of messages regarding the octagon on the beach. He wonders if the fight will really take place there. But everyone knows that the battle itself will take place indoors. As for that cell, perhaps there will be training, other events, or it is intended for entourage.

“Who will support you during the battle?”

- My friends will second me: Ilyas Khamzin, Aleksey Sorokin, Denis Lavrentiev and my boxing trainer Johnnyboy Boxin (laughs). Johnny Hutchinson Apart from him, with such a roster we went to my debut in the UFC, now we are going to fight for the belt. Team No Mercy.

- There is information that one of your guys can fight at one of the next shows, is that so?

- I would be glad if their debut took place at this or the next tournament. They train and prepare even more than me.

- Tell us about your team members ...

- Lavrentiev’s track record has nine victories and two losses. He is known for his performances in the RCC, met with worthy rivals and can make serious competition in the UFC. Two guys broke fights, they were offered Denis as an opponent. But they refused, choosing weaker opponents. In my opinion, if you want to be the best, you need to prove it in practice, and not choose.

- What can you say about Khamzin?

- His record is five wins and one defeat. I would really like him to get into the UFC. In this organization you begin to grow, progress, gain experience. I think for Denis and Ilyas the performance here will be a serious impetus in his career.

- Khamzin said that you like spending time with computer games with him ...

- Unless, when there is absolutely nothing to do. Once they argued with the guys from Yekaterinburg who would beat anyone in Counter Strike. As a result, they were “punished” both there and in paintball.

- Your character should appear in the UFC 4 sports simulator. In some cases, athletes are involved in the development phase to recreate their movements, gait, stance and other aspects as realistically as possible. Have you been approached with a similar offer?

- I know that UFC 4 will be released soon and am aware that I am present in the roster of fighters. But to participate in the creation of the simulator was not necessary. I myself thought that everything happens just like that: you are invited, removed. But professionals, experts work there. They just keep in touch, ask what techniques the athlete would like to add.

- You managed to get to the title fight in the shortest possible time. So you imagined this way when signing a contract with the UFC?

- I could not imagine that in two years I would fight for the championship belt. The main goal was to fight, win and subsequently get the title. And already on Sunday I will fight for him. This is crazy time for me.

- Due to the fact that the promotion adapts to the American audience, the fighters will have to fight in the morning in local time. How to build a schedule in order to approach the fight in better shape?

- Yes, my fight will take place around 9 - 10 in the morning at the time of Abu Dhabi. We try to go to bed and get up to workout early.

- Previously had to fight in the morning?

- There were moments when I was fighting at night or in the early morning. If there is a goal and a task, nothing should interfere.

- What can you say in memory of Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov?

- This is a big loss not only for the Nurmagomedov family, but also for mixed martial arts in general. I never met Adbulmanap Magomedovich personally, but he often spoke positively about me. He wrote that I am a worthy fighter and can become a champion. Very nice. He brought up a huge number of worthy athletes, champions in combat sambo. This person will forever remain in the hearts of martial arts lovers.