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Aside from the chance to become the inaugural ONE lightweight submission grappling world champion, Uali Kurzhev is fighting for a much bigger purpose at ONE on Prime Video 3: Lineker vs. Andrade.
The 33-year-old Russian will be representing sambo on the global stage when he takes on Brazilian jiu-jitsu phenom Kade Ruotolo in ONE’s third foray into US primetime this year. The high-level grappling war will emanate from the Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on October 21.
Ruotolo, of course, is already a household name after becoming the youngest world champion in ADCC history. Although he doesn't have the same star power as his counterpart, Kurzhev is a respected figure in the Russian combat scene and is a multi-time sambo world champion. While all eyes would undoubtedly be on Ruotolo, Kurzhev doesn’t mind being the underdog. He just wants to shock the world and prove that sambo is the superior grappling discipline.
In the build-up to the most high-profile match of his career, Kurzhev spoke during a virtual press conference for ONE on Prime Video 3, where he discussed his mission to raise the public’s awareness about the sport:
“I would love to bring this belt home and increase the number of fighters with a sambo background [on the world stage].”
Sambo has been thrust into the spotlight ever since Khabib Nurmagomedov brought it to the MMA world. Even ONE has signed fighters who trace their roots to sambo, including Nurmagomedov's protégé Saygid Izagakhmaev.
The Russian martial art employs the principles of judo, emphasizing throws and sweeps, along with the occasional striking. The growth of BJJ, on the other hand, has been documented around the world and has somehow become accepted into the mainstream.
Uali Kurzhev wants sambo to reach the same level of global acceptance, and that road begins at ONE on Prime Video 3.
Watch Uali Kurzhev in action below:
Kade Ruotolo admits he doesn’t know much about Uali Kurzhev
Being a relatively unknown fighter has become sort of an advantage for Uali Kurzhev.
Since most of his previous matches have not been highly publicized, his opponent Ruotolo has limited source material to study. Even the 19-year-old grappling ace admitted that he’s not fully aware of the Russian’s capabilities. Ruotolo said in the same presser:
"I don’t know a lot about Uali, but I know that he comes from a strong judo and wrestling background, with great takedown skills and good leg attacks. There will be a clash of styles which will be exciting to see."
Kurzhev, on the other hand, can simply go online and check out numerous tapes on Ruotolo’s past tournaments.
