Dovletjan Yagshimuradov: “It is a great honor for me to represent Turkmenistan in the world arenas”

As we have already reported, Dovletjan Yagshimuradov, the first representative of Turkmenistan who became the champion in mixed martial arts ACA (Absolute Championship Akhmat), arrived in Ashgabat from Minsk today. At the Ashgabat International Airport was greeted by the correspondents of Turkmenportal. Despite the fatigue caused by the tedious night flight, D. Yagshimuradov kindly agreed to give an exclusive interview for our portal. 

- Dovletjan, with what feelings did you return to your homeland after the victorious duel over the Karol Celinski from Poland?

- With pleasant, very pleasant feelings.

- You went down in history as the first champion of the newly formed Absolute Championship Akhmat (ACA) tournament . What does this mean to you?

- This title means a lot to me. I did a lot for this. The fight was successful, and I became a champion.

- With your opponent Karol Celinski you had to fight in his homeland in Warsaw. Is it hard to beat an opponent when he is supported by a large army of fans?

- There were moments when he was supported, but not I was. It was a certain load. But when the cage closes and you are left alone with the opponent, the fans cannot help.

- What are your future plans?

- Now I am waiting for a response from the promotions. As it will be known, I will inform you.

- How much did you miss your homeland?

- As much as possible.

- That is very?

- Yes.

- How long will you stay in Turkmenistan?

- Until April 18, I'm here, and then re-training.

- How are you going to spend this time?

- Rest, visit family and friends, grandmother. 

- After the battle, in an interview you reported that you dedicated your victory to your grandmother. How does she feel?

- She congratulated me, called and said: "You see, as we dreamed, it just happened". She also dreamed of my victory, and I am pleased that she is glad.

- You always go to a duel with the flag of Turkmenistan. What does this shrine mean to you?

- I am a patriot of my country. It is a great honor for me to go out with our flag, to represent it in world arenas. For me it is a great honor. I am pleased.

- Do you feel popular?

- No. As was, and remained so.

- But you are pleased that you are asked for autographs, recognized, asked to be photographed?

- Of course, nice. As my coach says: “Dovlet, when you win, you have a million friends and a million fans, but when you lose, you only have real friends. Be ready for this”. What is the essence of this? There is popularity today, but tomorrow - not.  

- What is most important for you?

- The main thing is to remain human.

- What advice can you give to beginners?

- Respect, first of all, your parents, seniors, learn, play sports. Have a goal and go to it. 

- At the end of the fight for the title of ACA champion, you thanked President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for his contribution to the development of sports. 

- Yes, our President makes a great contribution to the development of sports. And it is noticeable. In 2017, the V Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games were successfully held in Ashgabat. And next year we will hold the World Sambo Championship. If you have noticed, over the past five years, Turkmen athletes have begun to create serious competition for athletes from other countries. This is a very big step for our country. I think that in the near future, Turkmen athletes will win more trophies.

Interview with the first ACA champion Dovletjan Yagshimuradov (In Russian)