ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Bekhzod Uzmanov, originally from Tajikistan, moved to Albuquerque with dreams of becoming a world-famous fighter, enrolled at the Jackson-Wink MMA Academy to kick-start his career and also landed a job at a local Starbucks where he is also gaining recognition.
“When I come to Starbucks, people say, 'I saw you on TV, are you a fighter?'” Usmonov says.
“When he said he was a fighter, I was like, there's no way this guy is a fighter, but then I looked into it and this guy is capable of killing someone with his bare hands, yet he's also the kindest person you'll ever meet in your life,” Starbucks employee Larry Garcia said.
Within four months of starting as a barista, Usmonov's hard work earned him a promotion to shift leader. His dedication also translated to the gym, where he was hired as a coach by Jackson Wink and landed an opportunity to appear on The Ultimate Fighter Season 32.
While he couldn't reveal his plans for this season, Usmonov said he made a good impression on the organization, saying he usually fights at 125 pounds but could handle opponents at 145.
“I've fought guys bigger than me and they were cutting weight. I've shown good experience and now I have a chance to fight at UFC, maybe in August or September.”
In addition to his job at Starbucks and his mixed martial arts career, Usmonov recently got married and, although his two years in New Mexico have been hectic, he feels he is living the American dream.
“I came from nothing. I had nothing,” he said. “I didn't have any friends. Then I came to Jackson-Wink and told my coaches that I was going to be the best fighter, that I'd be fighting in the UFC soon. Now I'm almost there, and sometimes I look back and say wow.”
