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And anywhere Tukhugov goes, fighting will be a part of his DNA, which isn’t surprising considering that he started training at the age of five, focusing on wrestling and hand-to-hand striking before beginning to compete in MMA at 18 years old. So, when forced to the sidelines for over three years due to a pair of suspensions, it was a crushing blow for the 29-year-old from Grozny.
“I missed everything about fighting,” said Tukhugov, who finally returned to active duty last September against Lerone Murphy. He didn’t get the result he wanted, as the bout was ruled a draw, but he did shake off any ring rust and had enough good moments to carry him into his Saturday meeting with Kevin Aguilar.
“It’s always hard to come back after a long break,” he said. “This fight will be easier for me because in Abu Dhabi I had some reasons why I couldn’t show all my skill set. But yes, I feel that I have momentum right now and I’m confident that I will be in the top 15 soon. My fans give me huge support and motivation, so I feel it’s my time.”