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

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

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

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

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

Game Plan For the Fight

There is no game plan. I go in there and fight the way I fight. Just like we're watching and observing what he does wrong, he’s doing the 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 the Career

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

Thoughts On The 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 the 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 The Jitters Before a Fight

It’s just another day in the office. Everyone gets the jitters; nobody walks into the ring without feeling them, regardless of who you are. It’s about how you manage your anger and fears. There’s a fine line between cowardice and bravery. If you’re too scared to the point of cowardice, then 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 there and put my hands on someone.

How UFC is Different From Other Promotions?

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

On Winning Every Fight Via KO/TKO

When I go into a fight, I never prepare for just one round. They don’t pay me to fight for 15 minutes; the faster I finish, the better for me. I’m a hyper person; the more intensity, the better I thrive. I fight how I fight, regardless of predictions or what others 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 made 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 the official broadcaster of UFC in India