Israeli-Circassian Yanal Ashmouz (7-0) had a bright UFC debut in March. He knocked out the prospect Sam Patterson so violently at the London tournament that the latter unconsciously tried to grapple the referee.
In his exclusive interview, Ashmouz told us:
- how the Circassians ended up in Israel after the war against Russia;
- why he interrupted his career for three years and a half;
- about his training sessions with Azamat Murzakanov and invitations to train in Dagestan;
- about Khabib Nurmagomedov's right decision to quit and Islam Makhachev's lack of rivals;
- about his fanbase which consists of Israeli and Circassians from all over the world;
- about the acquaintance with his compatriot Bibras Natcho.
"After the war with Russia, my ancestors moved to Israel"
– What do you feel before the fight against the Scot Chris Duncan in London?
— I feel well. I've been cutting weight and keeping a diet this week. It's a bit difficult, but everything's fine.
– You have Circassian roots. Please tell us about your childhood. Where did you grow up, and how did you take up martial arts?
— I was born and grew up in Israel, but in a small town where only the Circassians live. That's a long story. After the war against Russia (the Caucasian War of 1817-1864), my ancestors moved to Israel, and we still live there. I've been very active and athletic and loved sports since my early childhood.
I took up professional martial arts in 2017 but was an amateur before. My professional debut was in 2017. I took part in three bouts and suspended my career for several reasons.
I got back three years and a half later, started fighting, and now ended up in the UFC. That's the story, in a nutshell.
– What did you do these three years when you took a break?
— First of all, I got married and renovated the house where we were going to live. It took longer than expected. Besides, I was busy at work and devoted a lot of time to my family. I returned when I had more time.
"I was very impressed with Bruce Lee's and Jackie Chan's kicks in my childhood"
– Have you served in the Israeli army?
— No, I haven't been there.
– Have you tried the Israeli martial art Krav Maga?
— No, I haven't. It's not my cup of tea. I like exchanging punches in the cage.
– Is your striking technique based on something?
— Not really. I haven't practiced boxing, judo, or wrestling. I have done gymnastics all my life, since my early childhood. It has given me all that I have. Of course, I saw Bruce Lee's and Jackie Chan's kicks in my childhood and was very impressed. I tried doing something similar, and that was how my MMA training began. I also tried boxing for two months, but when I saw mixed martial arts, I liked them more.
– Where do you train in Israel? Do you have good conditions and enough strong sparring partners?
— At first, I trained at my cousin's academy, and he was my coach. Then I moved to the USA and started training there. I come back to Israel after every fight and train with my friends in my town. There are several professional fighters who also take part in competitions. I train with them once a week, and we have sparrings.
"If I were Khabib, I would do the same"
– In the USA, you train with Murat Keshtov at K-Dojo, right?
— Yes, now he's my coach. He teaches a lot of strong guys, and I work out with them. I like that.
– Have you trained with Russian fighters, too?
— Yes. For example, with Azamat Murzakanov or a multiple-time grappling champion Shamidkhan Magomedov from Dagestan. He is a good middleweight sparring partner. There's also a decent fighter from Albania and athletes from Azerbaijan and Georgia. We have a mix of good guys from all over the world.
– Have Dagestani guys invited you to their region to improve your fighting?
— (laughs) Of course, they always invite me. There are good fighting conditions there, but I don't have enough time since I work two months in the USA and then return to spend some time with my family. I don't have so many resources to travel around the world, but perhaps I will go to Dagestan in the future.
– Khabib is the only UFC champion who retired undefeated. Do you think quitting at the peak of his career was the right thing to do?
— Why not? He is a champion who has defended his title thrice and retired undefeated. He has got the money and fame he desired, so why keep fighting? He has accomplished everything. I would do the same. Why continue, start losing, and have your name forgotten? In my opinion, he did the right thing.
"No man in the division could beat Makhachev"
– Now Islam Makhachev is a champion in your weight category. Who’s his most dangerous opponent?
— He's the best fighter now. I don't see any threat, but anything can happen in this sport. If he encounters Justin Gaethje who's also a tough guy, who knows what'll happen. But I believe that now no man in the division could beat Islam.
– Do you dream of advancing to the top and fighting for the UFC title?
— Of course. I aimed to get to the UFC. Now I'm here, and my goal has changed. I want to become a champion, no matter how long it will take. That's my goal.
– How has your life changed after you won your debut UFC bout via a bright knockout?
— When I won, people started to recognize me. How I got into the UFC is also a long story.
I got there without the Contender. People didn't know me and thought I would lose because my opponent was considered a prospect in the UK. He had a 10-1 record and defeated strong fighters. He was a Brave champion, that’s why people believed I would lose. This energy made me more motivated and daring. After that, I became more popular than before.
Now people know me and wait for a knockout — that's a good start. I hope I'll do the same in the upcoming fight. We'll see if I’ll become more popular.
– Do you have fans in Russia? Do you get in touch with Russian Circassians?
— Of course, I know a lot of people there. The Circaccians follow and support each other.
"I always aim for knockouts. That's my style"
– Do the Israeli Jews also support you because you compete under their flag?
– Yes. I don't want to go into details, but 95% of guys here support me, almost everyone. That's very good.
– Former CSKA and Israel national team player Bibras Natcho also has Circassian roots. Do you know him?
— Yes, I've met him a couple of times. When he was a child, he also lived and played in our town, Kfar Kama. We often saw him. Everyone in the town knows him.
– How did you get your nickname, "Red Fox?" That's because of your beard?
— I don't have any special story. At that time, I worked at a factory. When I had my first amateur bout, we were asked to tell our nicknames. I told my colleague from the town I need to create a nickname. He offered one, then another, but I didn't like them. And then he offered "Red Fox," and I said, "Fine." Of course, he referred to my beard.
– What should we expect from your fight on Saturday evening? Another spectacular knockout?
— I always aim for knockouts. This is my style. If something goes wrong, I will fight. I am even ready to make my opponent surrender, but my goal is knockout. That's what I love. I hope I'll succeed and make a name for myself again.
