London, England — This past Saturday, Makhmud Muradov returned to the win column following a decision win over the always tough Bryan Barberena.
In his last outing, Muradov was defeated by a top prospect in Caio Borralho. Since that Muradov has been booked to fight Abus Magomedov, but had to pull out of the bout due to injury. “Bam Bam” Barberena was coming in off a loss to Gunnar Nelson back in March, which also took place in London.
Muradov admitted after the fight that it was the final one on his current UFC contract, but hopes his performance against someone like Barberena will have earned him a new deal. “I was working hard for this fight because it’s my last chance to stay in the UFC.
“Barberena has a very good chin brother. You see two or three times, and one he faked [being wobbled], I’m not stupid brother I came here to win. I got here so can’t lose because it’s the last fight in my career in the UFC [last fight on current deal], when I win, I have a new contract. I think it was a good fight, I think the people liked it. Mick, Hunter, send me a good contract, I’m here,” Muradov said following the fight.
During his four year UFC tenure, Muradov has accumulated six fights, being victorious in four of them. However also during that four year period, the Uzbek has had eight bouts cancelled, against the likes of Kevin Holland, Abus Magomedov (twice) and Andre Muniz.
Despite calling for a new improved contract, the 33-year-old admitted that during his fight with Barberena, he injured his knee. Muradov said: “My next opponent is me, it’s my injury. I told you, whoever Mick sends me I fight, because I’m here to fight, I’m ready for everything.
“Maybe for me November is good at Madison Square Garden because there’s a lot of Uzbek people there, my army you know, I like my fans. Money and a good contract is good, but it’s not everything.”
Watch the full UFC London post-fight press conference with Makhmud Muradov above.
