Rashid Magomedov wants to fight in UFC’s first event in Russia

The UFC will be available in 55 million households in Russia, and that is great news for Rashid Magomedov.

The Russian lightweight, who scored his 11th win in a row with a late finish against the then-undefeated Elias Silverio at UFC Fight Night 58 in Barueri, Brazil, on Dec. 20, is excited with the possibility of finally being able to fighting in front of his countrymen after joining the UFC.

“That would be great,” Magomedov told MMAFighting.com through a translator following his win over Silverio in Brazil. “If I could fight in Russia, it would be amazing.”

Following back-to-back wins in Brazil and his first finish in over three years, Magomedov has yet to sign his next bout agreement, and believes that the rivalry between Russia and United States is one of the reasons why more Russians are joining the UFC recently.

“That is a great opportunity for Russians,” he said. “I believe it’s a good thing for us to fight here because of this rivalry between Americans and Russians in sports. It’s a good thing for us.”

Magomedov competed three times in the UFC in 2014, improving his record to 18-1 with wins over Tony Martin, Rodrigo Damm and Silverio. The lightweight also holds wins over UFC fighters Igor Araujo and Alexander Yakovlev and Bellator veteran Frodo Khasbulaev.

The UFC will be available in 55 million households in Russia, and that is great news for Rashid Magomedov.

The Russian lightweight, who scored his 11th win in a row with a late finish against the then-undefeated Elias Silverio at UFC Fight Night 58 in Barueri, Brazil, on Dec. 20, is excited with the possibility of finally being able to fighting in front of his countrymen after joining the UFC.

“That would be great,” Magomedov told MMAFighting.com through a translator following his win over Silverio in Brazil. “If I could fight in Russia, it would be amazing.”

Following back-to-back wins in Brazil and his first finish in over three years, Magomedov has yet to sign his next bout agreement, and believes that the rivalry between Russia and United States is one of the reasons why more Russians are joining the UFC recently.

“That is a great opportunity for Russians,” he said. “I believe it’s a good thing for us to fight here because of this rivalry between Americans and Russians in sports. It’s a good thing for us.”

Magomedov competed three times in the UFC in 2014, improving his record to 18-1 with wins over Tony Martin, Rodrigo Damm and Silverio. The lightweight also holds wins over UFC fighters Igor Araujo and Alexander Yakovlev and Bellator veteran Frodo Khasbulaev.