OMM Redaksiyası
Azerbaijani MMA fighter Vugar Keramov has spoken about his career, the Super RIZIN 5 tournament and the possibility of joining the UFC. The 34-year-old said his first priority is to win his upcoming bout, adding that a loss could make it harder to receive an invitation to the UFC.
Keramov said he has a contract to fight at the Super RIZIN 5 tournament in Japan before the end of the year. The bout is scheduled for late December, but his opponent has not yet been determined.
No title fight planned
The Azerbaijani fighter said the bout would not be for a title. Japanese and Kyrgyz fighters will compete for the belt at the tournament. Keramov said a win would give him the opportunity to fight for the title at a later stage.
He said they would consider offers from different organizations after his contract with RIZIN expires. Keramov said talks with the UFC were under way, while noting that RIZIN could make a more lucrative offer. His main ambition is to compete in the UFC.
Keramov’s RIZIN career
Keramov fought Japanese fighter Ryo Takagi in the 66-kilogram division at the Super RIZIN 5 tournament last month and won by unanimous decision after three rounds. The judges scored the bout 29-28, 30-27 and 30-27 in his favor.
Keramov became RIZIN’s 66-kilogram champion in 2023 after defeating Mikuru Asakura. He lost the title that year after a defeat to Chihiro Suzuki.
