And it was certainly in the DNA of Askarov, who won several titles in wrestling, grappling and MMA, chief among them the Deaflympics wrestling title in 2017.
By then, Askarov was already competing in MMA, defeating the likes of UFC vet Jose Maria Tome and WEC / Strikeforce vet Anthony Leone, and it was clear that he was going to follow in the footsteps of another deaf athlete – Matt Hamill – in getting to the UFC.
“I didn’t have any inspiration like Matt Hamill because unfortunately I just heard about him recently,” said Askarov. “But if I would have known about him earlier in my career he could be one of my biggest inspirations. It is hard to compete on a high level with such a health issue, but it motivates me a lot. And this might be the key of my success.”
It also may be the reason the 27-year-old can be a role model for other young athletes in the same position who just need a chance to show their talents.
“Yes, it is a big honor to be a role model for the young generation,” said Askarov. “I want to show that impossible is nothing, and with hard work and dedication you could achieve everything in life.”
Right now, the goal is a world championship, and with Askarov already in the top 15 heading into his bout with the No. 7-ranked Elliott, he may be in the title picture sooner rather than later. And that’s just fine with “Bullet.”
“My managers Ali Abdelaziz and Rizvan Magomedov are doing a great job to evolve my career,” said Askarov, who keeps it simple when asked what his 2020 outlook is.
“In my debut, I couldn’t show what I’m capable of,” he said. “So I hope 2020 will be a great and exciting year for me and my fans.”
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