Ali Isaev hears the clock ticking and has no interest in waiting around for PFL.
Isaev took home $1 million in 2019 as the PFL heavyweight division champion in season two. The promotion is currently on hiatus due to the ongoingCOVID-19 pandemic. Isaev is tired of waiting around and demands to see forward motion.
“I’ll be 37 soon. That’s why I wanted the PFL either to give me a fight or let me go so that I can fight in other promotions before the end of the year,” he told RT Sport. “Because I can’t wait and take a big break. I want to compete. Time goes by, and I have to find new opportunities to make a statement and fight against the top guys.”
Isaev last competed in the PFL Season Two Finals, which took place on December 31 of last year. Isaev is hoping for a shot in the UFC should PFL grant his release.
“Of course I’d love to fight in the UFC if the PFL lets me go,” he said. “They’re putting on events despite the pandemic. I think other organizations aren’t putting on such good events now. Maybe they don’t have the same resources as the UFC, but today I only see UFC fights. I’d love to fight their top fighters. I’m not picky, I’ll fight anyone they give me. My age doesn’t let me pick an opponent. When you’re young, you have to make the right choices. I saw how many young guys rushed too much. They were doing well but then stumbled after making the wrong decision, or they were misadvised. They wanted a fast rise to stardom. We have this saying, ‘He who makes haste makes everyone laugh.’ But I’m already 9-0, I don’t really need to gain experience. I have to do my job.”
There has been no comment yet from the PFL on Isaev's future.
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