The bout has been scheduled for Oct. 9 and will be Bigdash’s first time fighting outside of Europe. He’s best known for a spectacular wheel-kick knockout from 2013 (which you can see here) and that technique was one the Russian probably picked up very early in his martial arts career.
“I started training in martial arts in 1996 because I wanted to be strong, so I signed up for Kyokushinkai Karate classes at a sports club.”
Bigdash went on to win a number of regional tournaments and earn a brown belt in karate before transitioning to MMA, where he has gained a reputation for his submission skills.
“I like MMA, as it is the most accomplished combat sport where almost everything is allowed. A fighter can demonstrate all of his skills and use his stand-up skills, wrestling, physical power.”
After seven straight wins fighting for various promotions, including Pro FC in Russia and Glory in Turkey, he will finally get his chance on the big stage on Friday. Bigdash will be headlining ONE: Tigers of Asia at Stadium Putra and says the offer of such a prestigious fight was simply too good to turn down.
“I was very happy to be offered a contract with ONE FC, as I consider this promotion to be one of the strongest in the world. It is an honor to fight in this promotion, especially to have a title fight with such a decorated opponent as Igor Svirid.”
Svirid took just 17 seconds to knock out the previously undefeated Leandro Ataides and become the first-ever ONE middleweight champion. Bigdash certainly has plenty of respect for his opponent.
“Igor is a very serious opponent with a strong record. What I can say about him is that he is a patient guy with good heavy punches, who can also wrestle well and has good submissions and chokes. I hope we put on a good fight that will be remembered by all MMA fans.”
Bigdash is also a cogitative fighter, who is comfortable thinking on his feet and likes to use the opening exchanges of a contest to formulate a game plan.
Read the rest of the interview at:http://www.mmaweekly.com/vitaly-bigdash-gunning-for-one-championship-gold-on-friday
