One of the most recognizable Naiza FC fighters, Fanil Rafikov (20-5), is striving to get into one of the world's leading leagues as soon as possible. It is quite possible that the fans will not wait for the fighter to return to the Naiza FC league cage in the near future, but they will be able to see him in one of the overseas promotions. Correspondent bbabo.net - about where pulling "Nogay" is not the first year.
28-year-old Rafikov made a statement a few days ago - he made it clear once again that he wants to get into the ranks of the American Bellator promotion. By the way, the Kazakhs have not performed in it yet. Fanil also challenged American fighter of Armenian origin Georgy Karakhanyan (31-13-1-1).
The 36-year-old Karakhanyan has seven wins and nine losses in the Bellator cage and has also lost in his last two fights. Rafikov expressed a desire to meet with Georgiy, as well as "send him to retirement and knock on the bald spot." It is worth noting that in 2013 Karakhanyan won the WSOF (now PFL) champion belt, he also played in the DIA league (now ACA).
Fanil also turned to Bellator through social networks, showing his readiness to fight in the spring: "I heard that the tournament is in London on May 13, and we can really get there," he wrote. Earlier, direct challenges and specific words from Rafikov, whom many call "Kazakh McGregor" was not in this direction. He has repeatedly said that he has no reference points for the UFC, and also stated that he would not mind trying his hand at Bellator. But now the Pavlodar resident is ready to seriously show all his desire.
Related to this is the fact that recently Fanil has often denied about a possible title rematch in Naiza FC with Ildar Kudaibergenov (5-0). Rafikov understands that if he becomes a champion, he will have to defend the belt again.
Another motivation for the Kazakhstani was to arrange loud and spectacular fights in Kazakhstan. But first, problems with the law of Chorshanbe Chorshanbiev (6-3-1) killed the first idea, and the situation with the former UFC fighter from Brazil ended before it even started - Roni Mariano (15-9-0-1) requested an overpriced fee from the leadership of the Kazakh league. The usual rating fights do not attract Rafikov, at least now. The same goes for the championship belt. Fanil has his own style and image, and now he prefers either to make high-profile fights for Kazakhstan, or to go overseas.
Let's see if Bellator pays attention to the desire of the Kazakhstani. Still, this is one of the best leagues in the world, and there are many who want to get there. Rafikov's experience would certainly help him in American promotion, and it would be interesting for Kazakhstanis to follow their compatriot in such a large arena.
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