Nazim Sadikhov, who represents Azerbaijan in the UFC, met with Azerbaijani journalists today in a special session via Zoom organized by the Baku City Ring. The athlete, who currently lives in the United States, answered questions about the UFC Baku Fight Night competition to be held in Baku on June 21.

- Could you tell us about the 3-month preparation against Nicolas Motta? What are your impressions of the event to be held in Baku for the first time?

- I can say this about the tournament in Baku: my dream came true. I always dreamed of performing in front of my native audience. Rafael Fiziyev and, as far as I know, Tofig Musayev will also fight. We saw fighters from the former Soviet countries competing, only the number of Azerbaijanis was small. I have known my opponent for 7-8 years. I met him in a competition held in New Jersey before the UFC. Motta was the champion at that time. I know him well. I know that he moved to Thailand. My opponent fights standing up, uses boxing and wrestling techniques. I am looking forward to this fight.

- The opponent will do his job mainly in the first round. What kind of match awaits us? Will you adapt to the opponent or force him to fight in your own fighting style?

- Let me tell you, I am also an athlete who likes to finish the fight quickly. It will be a tactical fight. I do not think about losing in the first round. I am ready to do boxing, kickboxing, wrestling, knockouts, chokes or defeat the opponent by decision of the judges. Everything is possible. This is my native audience, I do not consider losing, I will be 100% ready.

- The Brazilian opponent is considered a versatile fighter. Will fighting in a local audience not cause you any difficulties?

- I cannot say that there will be no pressure, yes, there will be. Our sport is built around pressure. I will be ready. Pressure brings additional responsibility. It is a native audience. You go to every fight to win, regardless of the opponent. This will not cause me any problems, it will make me stronger.

- Your opponent trains in the same place as Rafael Fiziyev in Thailand. Do you get advice from R.Fiziyev?

- Frankly, I didn’t know in which gym Motta trains. I knew he was in Thailand, but I didn’t know that he was training with Rafael. I haven’t talked to Rafael about him. True, we talk to Fiziyev constantly, but we haven’t talked in the last 2-3 weeks. We are both focused on the upcoming fights. I believe that Rafael will “eat” his opponent. We will have a great fight in Baku.

- You fight in the same category as Rafael Fiziyev – lightweight. If there is a possibility of fighting with Fiziyev, would you agree to it?

- We are in different positions in our division. Besides, right now I am focused all my thoughts on the fight in Baku. I am not thinking about a possible fight with Rafael. Besides, he is my friend. I have never thought about facing him.

- Don't you think it's time for you to fight not on fight nights, but on the main events, on the main card?

- I feel 100% ready. That moment is not far off. The tournament in Baku will be a moment of truth for me. I have to put on a show in front of my home crowd. This can open new doors, new opportunities for me.

- You fight in the lightweight division, there are many strong fighters there. Do you feel ready to fight them, or are you thinking of changing your weight?

- I don't think about losing weight, because it's a very difficult process. Also, this category in which I compete is considered the heaviest weight class in the UFC. Those who fight in this weight class are the best. I intend to prove myself. I don't want to talk too much, I want to do my job.

- Who among the Azerbaijani fighters can you name who you think are full-fledged UFC fighters?

- Asef Chopurov, currently on a winning streak. There is also Tariyel Abbasov, who, although he lost in his last fights, is a good sambo fighter. I can also single out Muhammadali Osmanli. Along with that, there is Ali Guliyev. It's just that the athletes I mentioned need time to show themselves.

- What would you like to say to Azerbaijani people in our native language?

- "Long live Azerbaijan, long live Azerbaijan!". God willing, you will hear these words from me after the fight in Baku.