Exclusive/ 'There’s no promotion like UFC': Abdul Razak Alhassan Reveals What Sets UFC Apart in MMA World

UFC Vegas series will hit its 98th edition this week, and as always some mouthwatering contests are lined up at fight night for fans all over world. Flyweights Brandon Royval and Tatsuro Taira will square off in main event. It is a much-anticipated fight as after beating Brandon Moreno, Royval has once again entered contenders' mix. What makes matters interesting is fact that Tatsuro has a 100 per cent win record to his name. Japanese is undefeated after 16 MMA fights and is vying for his 17th this weekend. Hence, forms excitement. Aside from heline fight, eleven more fights are a part of stacked card.

alluring card was even more appealing as a middleweight fight between two hos- Abdul Razak Alhassan and Josh Fremd- featured on card. However, in run-up, fight got scrapped as Framd could not present standard weight as a Middleweight and weighed three pounds over non-title fight limit. He was transported to hospital following official weigh-in.

Ahe of unfortunate cancellation, Republic World h a conversation with one of protagonists of fight, Abdul Razak Alhassan. Middleweight fighter was determined to get to Octagon and was expressive while dressing every query. He shared some of intriguing insights from his fighting career. Here are excerpts from conversation.

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Please note: At time when this interview was taken, Abdul Razak Alhassan vs Josh Fremd was still on UFC Vegas 98 card.

Game Plan For Fight

re is no game plan. I go in re and fight way I fight. Just like we're watching and observing what he does wrong, he’s doing same with me. I know how to hold him or how to get to him, and that's my focus.

Objective At This Phase in Career

way I plan things that I wanted it to go, re's no lingo like that because you have your own plan and god has his own plan but plan never deterred. I only have one plan that is to get to highest as much you can and that's what I am going to do. And anybody who gets into my way for me to get up y are going to get it. For me at least, I've come to an age right now where I don't care about belt, I am not pushing for belt. I just want to put someone in front of me and I'll beat anybody y put in front of me, if it gets to me to best place, let's do it, if not. put someone in front of me and we'll do it. That's objective.

Thoughts On Frustrating No Contest Against Cody Brundage, Was It a Fair Call?

No, I don’t think it was a fair decision at all, but I can’t hold onto anger or frustration forever. If I do, it will only mess me up. I’ve moved on from that. Right now, I’m focused on this upcoming fight and will leave no stone unturned. It hurts, especially after working really hard and not getting result I wanted, but I don’t want that to hold me back. I’m always a positive person, and I’m looking forward to doing work on Saturday.

Still Feel Jitters Before a Fight

It’s just anor day in office. Everyone gets jitters; nobody walks into ring without feeling m, regardless of who you are. It’s about how you manage your anger and fears. re’s a fine line between cowardice and bravery. If you’re too scared to point of cowardice, n you’re just a wimp. I’ve fought so many times that now, it affects me differently—I don’t think about it much anymore. I just feel more intense; I want to get in re and put my hands on someone.

How UFC is Different From Or Promotions?

re’s no promotion like UFC. I’m not just talking about pay; it’s way y treat you and look after ir fighters. It’s a whole different experience. Or promotions I fought for were smaller, and even among bigger promotions, y don’t compare to UFC. It’s a great place, which is why everyone is trying to get re—y know y’ll be treated well.

On Winning Every Fight Via KO/TKO

When I go into a fight, I never prepare for just one round. y don’t pay me to fight for 15 minutes; faster I finish, better for me. I’m a hyper person; more intensity, better I thrive. I fight how I fight, regardless of predictions or what ors think of me. I’m focused on what I can do to you.

Evolution As a Fighter

I’ve evolved significantly from where I started to where I am now. I’m a whole different person—mentally and physically. This isn’t about cockiness; it’s about knowing what you’re good at and what you need to improve. Martial arts teach you to humble yourself in certain situations. I believe I’ve me great strides in both my mental and physical capabilities, and I’m really happy I chose sports as my profession.

*Watch UFC Fight Night - Royval vs Taira LIVE on Sony Sports Ten 2 SD & HD, Sony Sports Ten 3 SD & HD (Hindi), Sony Sports Ten 4 SD & HD (Tamil & Telugu) on October 13,2024 from 4:30 AM. Sony Sports Network is official brocaster of UFC in India