Farman Hasanov, who will make his debut at the UFC Fight Night: Fiziev vs. Torres event at the National Gymnastics Arena on June 27, gave an exclusive interview to Offsideplus.az ahead of his bout against USA's Eric Nolan.

Here is the interview:

How do you feel at this exact moment? 

I feel good. It’s fight week, so the weight-cut process is currently underway. I'm on a diet, but overall, I feel great.

Are you satisfied with your preparation? Who supported you during this camp? 

Yes, everything went well. We held our training camp in the United States and then returned to Baku three weeks before the fight. My coaches, Mr. Ibrahim and Mr. Heydar, have provided immense support.

Your transition to the UFC came quite unexpectedly. How did that process happen? 

I fought in LFA for three years and secured three victories. Many fighters move from there straight to the UFC. My manager worked incredibly hard to get me into the promotion. As fate would have it, it happened here in Baku. I will be fighting at UFC Fight Night Baku.

You mentioned coming to the UFC to fight for the title. Right now, Islam Makhachev sits at the top of the welterweight division... (Note: Islam Makhachev competes at lightweight, but the fighter's answer regarding his mindset is preserved) 

Of course, that takes years; it will require time. The initial goal was simply to get into the UFC. Once you start competing here, your ultimate objective becomes capturing the belt and becoming a champion. Right now, we are fully focused on this upcoming bout and the immediate future. I believe we will achieve it and make it all the way to the title. It just requires time, discipline, training, and patience.

They say that a man's peak strength comes after the age of 30. Do you agree with that?

 It’s possible. It has a lot to do with mentality. After 30, the brain functions differently, which leads a person to take a completely different approach. In terms of discipline, power, and overall athleticism, that could very well be the case.

Tofiq Musayev had a tough debut fighting in Baku. Do you feel the hometown atmosphere as pressure, or something else? 

This is sports. Tofiq showed a much better version of himself after his debut. Anything can happen. Rather than pressure, I feel an immense amount of support, and that gives me great motivation. I believe everything will turn out well.

The other fighters representing Azerbaijan are also in Baku now. Have you managed to get together? 

Yes. I haven't crossed paths with Nazim and Rafael yet, but I did meet up with Tahir. I truly believe that all four Azerbaijani fighters will finish the night with a victory.

You currently have 5 wins on your record, while your opponent has 4 losses. Whose record is going to change? 

Inshallah, it will be 6-0.

Who holds the psychological advantage?

The psychological advantage will definitely be on my side.

Why the nickname "The Lion"?

My father always used to call me his lion. That's why the nickname stuck with me.

Your opponent Eric Nolan's nickname is "Night Time". What is going to happen when night time comes? 

He is probably referring to US time. When night time comes in Baku, different things will happen. He will be defeated.

Do you have a final word for the fans ahead of the fight? 

It's going to be an exciting fight and an incredible night for the fans. Four Azerbaijani fighters will be stepping into the cage. I invite everyone to come out and support us; they will witness highly entertaining bouts. Inshallah, we will wrap up the night with four victories.

PHOTO: Elmir Karimov