Magomed Gaziaslov had a successful career as an amateur MMA fighter, winning two IMMAF championships in 2019, but his UFC Saudi Arabia opponent, Brendon Ribeiro, is unfazed by his professional accomplishments so far.
Since turning pro, Gaziaslov has won eight straight bouts, half of which came by knockout, most recently via decision over Jose Medina. Dana WhiteContender Series to secure a UFC contract, but his combined record against his first seven opponents was 3-8, in stark contrast to his combined record against his last two opponents, Medina and Mohamed Said Maalem (22-6).
“My team and I have studied him, watched his fights and everything, and seen the mistakes he makes,” Ribeiro said in an interview with MMA Fighting. “We've seen who he's fought. Experience-wise, he has the amateur experience and all, but I made my pro MMA debut at 15 and have close to 20 fights listed in my Sheldog, not to mention the ones that aren't listed there. I'm very excited for this opportunity and I believe I'm more well-rounded than him.”
Ribeiro, who joined UFC through the Contender Series, admitted he had no idea who Gaziaslov was when he was first approached about the fight, but said he “doesn't pick my opponents.”
“Whoever they send me, I'm going to compete,” Ribeiro said. “That's what I'm here for. This is my job. This is how I put food on the table. I'm confident I can do a great job Saturday night, bring home a win and represent my team well.”
Ribeiro, who trains under the tutelage of veteran striking coach Andre Dida at Brazil's TKO Team, feels he is prepared to stop Gaziaslov from the stand, but warned the Russian that he still has some tricks up his sleeve.
“He comes from a Muay Thai background, he's a world champion and undefeated in MMA and has had some amateur bouts, but I don't see him as a complete fighter,” Ribeiro said. “I know he likes to stand up and fight, and I do too, but he also has jiu-jitsu.”
“He didn't beat the guy in the Contender Series and the guy's level wasn't good. I couldn't knock him out in the first round so the second and third rounds were a totally different fight and I just prayed and prayed. He can't do that to me. If he tries to take me down, I can submit him and I can knock him out standing up.”
“When it comes to MMA and mixed martial arts, I'm one step ahead of my opponents,” he continued. “This is MMA, son. This is not pure striking or pure jiu-jitsu. This is MMA. MMA is a double-edged sword, you either finish or you get finished, but with me doing MMA, I get my hands in his face, take him down, and beat him on the ground, and I've never seen him put his back on the ground. The only time he stretches out is on the ground, and I put him in danger there all the time.”
