PFL champion A. Isaev (right) threatens to leave the organization. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
The coronavirus pandemic that ravaged the world in 2020 affected all sectors and sport was no different. The UFC was the first organization to return to action, respecting the due prevention protocol, but the PFL will only resume its activities in 2021 and this generated discontent in Ali Isaev, heavyweight champion (120,2kg). To the Russian website RT Sports, the 36-year-old athlete, undefeated in MMA, gave an ultimatum, demanding to be released from his contract if the PFL doesn't offer him a fight.
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“I'll be 37 soon, so I wanted the PFL to give me a fight or release me so I could fight in other organizations until the end of the year. I can't wait. I want to compete. Time passes and I have to find new ways to impress to fight against the top guys. PFL made me known and is a very good company. If you release me, maybe I will come back in the future. I started there. It would be great if you could understand my situation. I need stability”, asked Isaev.
By winning the PFL heavyweight tournament, the Russian earned one million dollars, but he admitted to being a fan of the UFC and would like to face the top guys.
“Of course I would love to fight in the UFC, if the PFL releases me. Even with the pandemic, there are struggles going on. Other organizations aren't doing this because they don't have the same resources as the UFC. I only watch UFC. I would love to face the best fighters. I'm not demanding, I'd fight anyone. My age doesn't let me choose an opponent. When you're young, you have to make the right choices. Many were fine but rushed things and stumbled by making the wrong decision or were advised against it. I'm 9-0 and don't need to gain experience. I just have to do my job”, he concluded.
It is worth highlighting that Ali Isaev is another Russian from the Dagestan region, the same as Khabib Nurmagomedov. The heavyweight began his MMA career in 2016, signed with the PFL in 2019 and has nine wins in nine fights, three by knockout. The biggest triumph of the wrestler It was precisely in his last appearance, against Jared Rosholt, a former UFC athlete, in December 2019.
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