Ismail “Berti” Israilov will make history Saturday as the first Chechnyan fighter to ever compete in the BKFC Squared Circle.
“It feels amazing,” Israilov, 23, says through his translator. “This is a history-making moment for me, my family and my homeland.”
There are already a ton of BKFC fans in Chechnya, and Israilov can’t wait to represent them in the world-famous Squared Circle.
“The Caucasus region is a land of combat sports. Anything combat related, everyone is watching, especially when their countrymen are representing,” he says.
“But I never feel pressure about anything,” he adds. “I’ve fought all my life. It’s nothing new to me.”
Israilov dreams of headlining the first ever BKFC event in Chechnya. But first, he has his sights set on opponent Danasabe "Papa Midnight" Mohammed, who he meets Saturday in middleweight action at the BKFC Prospect Series event at Revel Arena in Albuquerque, NM, LIVE worldwide on The BKFC App.
Israilov is ready to let his fists do the talking.
“I never predict anything,” he says. “I just say don’t blink.”
