Ramazan Kuramagomedov admits Jason Jackson is his toughest opponent yet but believes he can beat the Jamaican fighter.
Kramagomedov will challenge Jackson for the Bellator welterweight title in the main event of the Bellator Champions Series in Dublin on June 22. Although Kramagomedov is the slight favorite going into the bout, Jackson expects him to be a tough opponent.
“I think the Jason Jackson fight was the hardest fight of my MMA career so far,” he said on a recent media conference call.
Kuramagomedov respects Jackson’s technique but believes every fighter has weaknesses.
“This upcoming fight is very exciting. Jason is one of the top fighters in the world,” he said. “Every fighter has their flaws, so we’ve got to find the key with Jason this time. There are a few ways to approach this, but I’m going to bring the best approach to the show on the night.”
But Kuramagomedov is by no means underestimating Jackson, and the unbeaten Dagestanian challenger claims he has prepared in every way for one of the “best fights” of his career.
“I’m not taking this fight lightly,” he said. “I’ve been preparing specifically for him all camp. I’ve watched and studied all of his games. I think this will be one of the best fights of my career.”
The 27-year-old Kuramagomedov has been competing professionally for nearly 10 years, dreamed of becoming a world champion since he started training, and he feels he is closer to his goal than he has ever been before.
“Becoming world champion has been my goal my whole career. I’ve been training for 13 years and I’ve been waiting for this moment ever since I stepped into the gym,” he said. “I think I’m the closest I’ve ever come to the belt, and on June 22nd, I’ll have it around my waist.”
Kuramagomedov has earned his title shot with just two stoppage victories in his Bellator career, while Jackson is riding an eight-fight winning streak and is fresh off a TKO win over former PFL champion Ray Cooper.
