Bagdat Zhubanysh hopes success in Abu Dhabi can open doors to pro MMA deal

Bagdat Zhubanysh is hoping his performances in winning a record third IMMAF World Amateur Championship in Abu Dhabi will lead to a professional contract with one of the leading mixed martial arts promotions.

The Kazakh, 25, scored a unanimous points decision over Russia's Farkhid Rakhmonaliev in the 52.2kgs strawweight final at the Jiu-Jitsu Arena in Abu Dhabi on Saturday to become the first fighter to win three successive gold medals in the history of the competition.

“I wish I’ll get the recognition and the breakthrough that I really deserve after having won three world titles in the amateur level,” Zhubanysh told The National.

“These fights are very tough, especially when you have to fight three times across three days to reach the final."

The first two rounds were evenly contested but a Zhubanysh takedown in the final minute of the third helped secure the Kazakh victory.

Zhubanysh celebrated wildly upon hearing the verdict (29-28, 29-28, 30-26) while Rakhmonaliev burst into tears.

“The final was very close although all three judges had it in my favour. At the end of the fight, I had to spend a very anxious moment when the points were announced of each round,” Zhubanysh said.

“Everyone comes here to win and to showcase the potentials to the MMA promotions around the world, and I could feel the disappointment behind the loser.

“It’s not only the final but every fight is so tough. I hope the promotions will provide some of us the opportunity to take the step-up. And provided the opportunity, my objective would be to win the belt of the promotion that will give me the break.”

It was Zhubanysh’s first visit to Abu Dhabi and said he was impressed by the facilities on offer.

“I had heard about Abu Dhabi hosting the UFC and