Alex Chizov is set to face Gadzhi Rabadanov on May 2nd in Sioux Falls, a bout that marks a significant challenge in his career. Chizov, hailing from Latvia, expressed his disbelief and gratitude for the opportunity to compete in the United States, a global hub for martial arts, against a top-ranked opponent.
“For me, when I was starting my MMA career, we all know that the States is the biggest place to fight. The highest-level and biggest sports events, the biggest names are here,” Chizov shared. “So for me, a young kid starting MMA in a small country where the sport’s level is so low, just to make it to the US and fight here, in one of the biggest leagues in the world against a top-level guy, man, it’s like a dream come true.” He added that he is savoring every moment of this experience.
Chizov also reflected on the challenges of forging a path in MMA from his home country, where there wasn’t a prominent international fighter to emulate. “For me, it was like I’m the first guy making this path from my country to the worldwide big MMA scene,” he stated. “I think it’s twice as hard when you’re the first one, but it’s also a big privilege. So, I’m grateful.”
Recognized by many as Latvia’s top MMA fighter, Chizov feels a sense of pride and responsibility. “Pressure is always there, but pressure is good. Pressure makes me feel sharper,” he said. “For me, I just want to show other guys, other people, that everything is possible. That you don’t need to be scared of dreaming big, and it doesn’t matter what country you are from – England, America, Brazil, or like small f***ing Latvia.” He believes that with the right attitude, hard work, and self-belief, significant achievements are possible.
With a record boasting multiple Latvian combat sambo titles, regional MMA belts, and a PFL Europe title, Chizov sees his upcoming fight as a crucial step towards a PFL world title shot. “A big opportunity to fight in the States, and my first fight in the States, co-main event against the second-ranked guy,” he remarked. He highlighted the rapid changes in his career, noting that just a year ago, he was watching fighters like Rabadanov and now he’s facing him in a prominent spot.
When asked about facing Gadzhi Rabadanov, who trains with Khabib Nurmagomedov’s team, Chizov remained unfazed. “First of all, I think my strongest part is my mentality. I don’t even care that he’s from Dagestan, that he’s from Khabib’s team,” Chizov declared. “We all know that Khabib’s team produces some of the best fighters in the world. I think a lot of people fighting their team members start overthinking, thinking they’re fighting Khabib or Islam [Makhachev]. I just don’t care.”
Chizov emphasized his goal since joining the PFL was to fight the best and become a champion. He dismissed the notion that Rabadanov’s affiliation with Khabib’s team adds extra pressure or intimidation. “For me, it’s cool that I have the opportunity to fight one of them,” he said. “I’m going to fight another man, same as me. He’s good. He’s experienced. Cool, same as me. So, those types of things just don’t bother me.”
He reiterated his belief in himself and his hard work, stating, “This fight only excites me because I was never a guy who wanted to find easy ways to become the best.” Chizov pointed out that this is his 17th professional fight and he has never turned down an opponent. He believes that to be the best, one cannot take shortcuts or lie to oneself.
“Fighting him is an opportunity to prove to myself, to my country, and to the world that I can be at the caliber of fighter like all these guys. So, a great opportunity. Nothing else,” Chizov concluded.
