"Struggling" Turkish MMA fighter from Ohio sends earnest message to Dana White and Mick Maynard - "This would change my life literally"
UFC CEO Dana White and Mick Maynard, the promotion's matchmaker, have just been reached out to on X by a Turkish MMA prospect. Ilyaz Mamadaliyev is a 25-year-old featherweight with a record of five wins and two losses. Unfortunately, he is nowhere near the UFC's radar but aims to be.
He took to X, tagging White and Maynard as he pleaded for a chance to realize his dream of fighting in the UFC. He outlined how difficult life has been for him, and that he merely needs a chance to turn things around. Specifically, Mamadaliyev wants to fight at UFC Louisville, set for June 8.
"This is 1 hour away from my gym, this would be a dream come true to debut on this card on the prelims. I've been struggling so much lately this would change my life literally @ufc @danawhite @Mickmaynard2 PLEASE GIVE ME A SHOT"
This, however, wasn't the only post that Mamadaliyev made in reference to a potential UFC debut. He posted a second message, vowing to continue his campaign to get on the UFC Louisville card, which will feature the return of Raul Rosas Jr. after the latter's withdrawal from UFC Fight Night 237.
"I am going to talk to my manager tomorrow to see if we can get on the UFC Louisville card, thank you guys for retweeting and liking my post! I've lost before, I've struggled, but I will not give up on my dream! Everyone that's in the UFC comes from a place just like me."
While Mamadaliyev is yet to garner a response from the promotion's upper brass, if he does get signed to the UFC, he will be one of the few Turkish fighters to have competed in the promotion.
Dana White has signed other Turkish fighters in the past
Perhaps the most notable Turkish fighter to have ever fought under the UFC banner was former GLORY kickboxing light heavyweight champion, Gökhan Saki. Unfortunately, it was not one of Dana White's best signings.
The kickboxing sensation had a short-lived MMA career, consisting only of three fights, with one win and one loss in the UFC.
Similarly, former UFC flyweight Alp Ozkilic competed in four fights in the promotion, winning only once on his debut, before embarking on a three-fight losing streak, which triggered his release from the UFC.