Dzhamal Mavliudov is set to bring his trademark aggression and knockout power to the cage once again as he faces Dedrek Sanders in a lightweight showdown at LFA 219 on October 10 in Clarksville, Tennessee.
Riding a wave of momentum from his recent highlight-reel finishes, the ATT Portland prospect will look to make another statement and inch closer to a call-up from the UFC.
“Every fight you guys are going to be surprised how much this guy improves,” Mavliudov told Cageside Press.
“Is there even a limit for me to stop, you know? I’m just going to do well every fight that I go to.”
Mavliudov (6-0) knows he’s stepping in against a seasoned opponent in Dedrek Sanders, a fighter who’s tested himself across multiple high-level promotions. Still, the lightweight made it clear that experience alone won’t be enough to catch him off guard.
“I respect that he’s that (a veteran). He fought in PFL, he fought in many different promotions. He fought some guys who’ve already been in UFC. I respect your experience, but I don’t think there’s something that you’re going to surprise me with,” Mavliudov said.
“I travel a lot, I train in Coconut Creek ATT. I train a lot in Vegas. I train (with) many different guys already in UFC.”
Mavliudov pointed to his training pedigree as proof that he’s ready for anyone, including a veteran like Sanders. Having shared the mats with elite names from Bellator, PFL, and the UFC, the lightweight prospect says his confidence is rooted in experience at the highest level.
“Brent Primus, who was Bellator champ, fought in PFL. Ricky Simon, UFC fighter, great in UFC. I spar with them. I know I can compete with them. Why and how are you really going to surprise me,” he asked.
“I feel like in this fight only God can stop me. No one else.”
Beyond his growing reputation as a finisher, Mavliudov’s ambitions extend far beyond the LFA cage. The confident lightweight believes he has the star power and fighting style to fill a void left by some of the sport’s biggest names. In fact, he revealed that even UFC matchmaker Sean Shelby has already been put on notice.
“This might sound funny, but I was having this conversation one year ago with my manager. He was like yeah UFC nowadays, they lost Conor, and they need someone as him to make more sales,” he said.
“I met up with Sean (Shelby) at the fight in Vegas. I was like Sean, better just watch my fight. I don’t want to ask for any fights, for nothing like that, just watch my fight and you will understand everything.”
For Mavliudov, confidence isn’t arrogance. It’s belief built on hard work and vision. He sees himself as more than just another fighter chasing a contract; he’s aiming to become the kind of personality the sport needs.
With equal parts humility and ambition, Mavliudov says he’s ready to be the UFC’s next global draw.
“Whatever you guys seen from Conor, just forget about it. Here I am, I’m coming to make money too for myself, for my family and for you guys. We just have to make it workout. I’m not cheap right away,” he said.
“This is why you guys need me. I can do great job in the cage. I can do great job out (of) the cage. The main important thing: I’m humble, and respectful. I have everything you need.”
Watch the entire interview with Dzhamal Mavliudov above. He faces Dedrek Sanders at LFA 219 on October 10th on UFC Fight Pass.
