Uali Kurzhev, a 4x Sambo world champion, will take on Kade Ruotolo for the inaugural ONE Lightweight Submission Grappling world title (on October 21).
He is aware that there’s a tough test ahead. However, there’s also the excitement about the chance to prove himself, as he explained in an interview for ONE:
I have mixed feelings right now because I’m still not a [BJJ] champion first of all.
Secondly, it’s my second match in submission grappling [under] different rules, but I’m so excited for this event and to have a chance to [compete against] Kade.
The 33-year old Russian athlete feels ready for the challenge:
I have a lot of experience. I’m sure he’s never experienced such an opponent in his background because he specializes more in submission grappling. I’ll bring lots of surprises to this match.
I understand the pressure and the audience, but again I’ve been in the sport for a long time. I have formulated methods to avoid those feelings. I’m clearly ready for this.
He also doesn’t feel any pressure to “prove” that Sambo is better than BJJ:
I don’t feel [any pressure to prove sambo is better]. I respect all the sports and BJJ is one of them. Both sports are incredible.
When it comes to sambo, there’s a harmony where you’re standing as well as being on the ground to grapple. But in Jiu-Jitsu, it’s more on the ground. That’s the difference, I guess, and that’s their [advantages].
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