Sultanakhmedov Reflects on Moks Loss: 'Unbelievable but not a tragedy...'
Dec 28, 2010
(PRESS RELEASE) --Perhaps the most amazing upset for those watching
M-1 Challenge XXII from their seats in Moscow’s Druzhba arena this
past December 10th was the lightning quick submission of the vastly
experienced ‘Team Highlander’ fighter, Magomed Sultanakhmedov.
Falling victim to Rafal Moks at the 19-second mark of the first
round, Sultanakhmedov was left stunned in the ring as he watched
the M-1 Global executive brass place the middleweight championship
belt around someone’s waist.
Still clearly upset from the loss, Sultanakhmedov spoke about his game plan going into the fight, “Training camp was no different than for any other fight. Because Moks can take a punch, we had planned for a longer fight where I would undermine his defense with continuous striking,” said the Russian fighter. “This plan went awry quickly and also confirmed the truth about MMA – bouts are fought from the opening second to the sound of the last bell and no amount of preparation will save you from making a mistake.”
Being caught in an early leg-lock was a fatal error and ultimately may have cost him the M-1 Challenge championship belt but Sultanakhmedov spoke with realism as he reflected on the tap, “I had to submit once the submission was locked in to ensure I didn’t suffer a serious injury. Tapping doesn’t make me an invalid since now I can prepare to get back in the ring and leave this loss behind me. Yes the loss was unfortunate but it’s not a tragedy. I’ll learn from this, put it in the past and move on.”
When asked about the moments after the loss while still inside the ring, Sultanakhmedov spoke with genuine honesty, “I felt a strong sense of guilt for letting down the fans, my coach and myself."
As 2010 comes to a close, Sultanakhmedov is ready to for what the new year brings and getting back into contention for a second chance at the title; whether this would be a rematch with Moks or not, the engaging striker simply wants to thrill the fans with the exciting fighting style he is known for and erase the memory of a horrific submission.
Still clearly upset from the loss, Sultanakhmedov spoke about his game plan going into the fight, “Training camp was no different than for any other fight. Because Moks can take a punch, we had planned for a longer fight where I would undermine his defense with continuous striking,” said the Russian fighter. “This plan went awry quickly and also confirmed the truth about MMA – bouts are fought from the opening second to the sound of the last bell and no amount of preparation will save you from making a mistake.”
Being caught in an early leg-lock was a fatal error and ultimately may have cost him the M-1 Challenge championship belt but Sultanakhmedov spoke with realism as he reflected on the tap, “I had to submit once the submission was locked in to ensure I didn’t suffer a serious injury. Tapping doesn’t make me an invalid since now I can prepare to get back in the ring and leave this loss behind me. Yes the loss was unfortunate but it’s not a tragedy. I’ll learn from this, put it in the past and move on.”
When asked about the moments after the loss while still inside the ring, Sultanakhmedov spoke with genuine honesty, “I felt a strong sense of guilt for letting down the fans, my coach and myself."
As 2010 comes to a close, Sultanakhmedov is ready to for what the new year brings and getting back into contention for a second chance at the title; whether this would be a rematch with Moks or not, the engaging striker simply wants to thrill the fans with the exciting fighting style he is known for and erase the memory of a horrific submission.
