Alex Chizov is set to face Gadzhi Rabadanov in the co-main event of PFL Sioux Falls on May 2nd. The matchup pits Chizov against the number two ranked lightweight in the PFL. Reflecting on the significance of this fight, which appears to be the biggest challenge of his career to date, Alex Chizov shared his perspective.
“Listen, I’m from Latvia, a very small European country. Most people worldwide don’t even know it exists. When I started my MMA career, the United States was always the ultimate destination for fighting, with the highest level and biggest sporting events and names. For a young kid from a small country with a low level of the sport, reaching the US and competing here has been incredible.”
“To be in one of the biggest leagues globally, facing a top-level fighter, feels like a dream come true. If you’d told me this 10 years ago, I would have thought you were mistaken. I’m truly savoring every moment of this process because it’s a wonderful experience for me.”
Many mixed martial artists emerge from challenging circumstances, and the sport often serves as a path to overcome them. When asked about his journey and the obstacles he’s navigated to reach this point, Alex Chizov stated:
“When I began my MMA career in my country, we didn’t have many high-level fighters worldwide whom I could show my parents as an example. There was no one who had succeeded and inspired me to follow suit. I feel like I’m forging this path from my country to the global MMA scene as one of the first. I believe it’s twice as difficult when you’re the pioneer, but it’s also a great privilege, and I’m grateful for that.”
Recognized by many as Latvia’s top MMA fighter, Chizov’s success has the potential to significantly boost the sport’s ecosystem nationally. Discussing the pressure and pride associated with this role, Alex Chizov commented:
“The pressure is always there, but pressure is good. It keeps me sharp. Of course, we Latvians are a small nation of less than two million people. I want to show others that anything is possible, that you shouldn’t be afraid to dream big, regardless of your country of origin – be it England, America, Brazil, or a small country like Latvia.”
“Nowadays, that’s not the most important factor. I simply want to demonstrate to everyone in my country that with the right attitude, hard work, and self-belief, you can achieve a great deal. Carrying my country’s flag on a major stage is a significant source of pride for me.”
Alex Chizov’s impressive record includes multiple Latvian combat sambo titles, regional MMA belts, and a PFL Europe title. When asked how this contest could propel him towards a PFL world title shot, Alex Chizov replied:
“It’s a huge opportunity to fight in the United States for the first time, in the co-main event, against the second-ranked fighter. Sometimes I wake up and can’t believe it. Just a year ago, I was in a completely different position, and now it shows how quickly things can change in sports and how your life can be transformed in a year. It’s truly mind-boggling.
“I remember a year ago, I was watching fighters like Gadzhi Rabadanov and thinking it would be great to fight them in maybe two or three years. Now, just a year later, I’m fighting Gadzhi in a co-main event. It’s incredible, and I’m deeply grateful.”
Alex Chizov Relishes the Moment Facing Khabib’s Protégé
Khabib Nurmagomedov has publicly praised Gadzhi Rabadanov, and Rabadanov regularly trains with the former UFC lightweight champion’s team. When asked about how he views this upcoming contest against the PFL standout who is under ‘The Eagle’s’ tutelage, Alex Chizov stated:
“First and foremost, I believe my strongest asset is my mentality. I genuinely don’t care that he’s from Dagestan or that he’s part of Khabib’s team. We all know Khabib’s team produces some of the best fighters in the world. While many people might overthink fights against members of their team, thinking they’re fighting Khabib or Islam Makhachev, I simply don’t let that bother me. It’s exciting to know I’m facing someone from a team renowned for producing top fighters.”
“Since day one in the PFL, my objective has been to fight the best, defeat them, and become a champion. It’s great because, in life, when the fight was announced, people started thinking, ‘Oh God, he’s from Khabib’s team, he’s Dagestani, it’s too much, I’m not on that level.’ As I’ve said, people often get scared by the association with Dagestani fighters or Khabib’s team. But I simply don’t care about that.
“I’m fighting another man, just like me. He’s good, he’s experienced, and that’s fine. Those kinds of factors don’t affect me. I believe in myself and my hard work, and that’s all that matters. This fight only excites me because I’ve never been the type of fighter to seek easy paths to success. I know many do, carefully picking their opponents. This will be my 17th professional fight.”
“I’ve never shied away from a challenge. In all my 16-17 fights, I’ve never refused an opponent. If you want to be the best, which is my ultimate goal, you can’t lie to yourself. You can’t fight average opponents, win, and then believe you’re legitimate.
“Because when you’re alone, you can’t deceive yourself about your true capabilities. Facing him is an opportunity to prove to myself, to my country, and to the world that I can compete at the caliber of these fighters. It’s a fantastic opportunity, nothing more.”
