Muhammad Naimov is proud to be one the few fighters from Tajikistan in UFC, but believes many more will be there soon.
Currently, Naimov (12-3 MMA, 4-1 UFC) is just one of four fighters from the Central Asian country. Nurullo Aliev, Muin Gafurov and Loik Radzhabov are the other three Tajik representatives on the UFC roster.
"Three years ago, four years ago, five years ago, all Tajik people, we all watch UFC," Naimov said at the UFC on ABC 8 media day. "... UFC for us, it was like something different. It was really hard to get to UFC, and in one year, four Tajik people get signed by UFC. So, it's always hard to shoulder and show up, but I always telling myself, I'm fighting for myself first of all. Second thing I represent my name, my family, and then my country.
"So, if you think like this, you're not going to perform good: 'All Tajik people watching me.' No, this is energy for me. I really like it. I know Saturday night in Tajikistan, all people around Tajikistan like in villages, in my motherland Kulob city and also in Dushanbe – everybody in restaurants, cafes, cinema, everywhere they're gonna watch the fight. That's like extra energy for me."
In his second appearance of 2025, Naimov faces Bogdan Grad (15-2 MMA, 1-0 UFC) in the main card opener of UFC on ABC 8 (ABC, ESPN, ESPN+), which takes place Saturday at Baku Crystal Hall in Baku, Azerbaijan. It's the closest Naimov has been to home for a fight since signing with the UFC. He expects to see many people from his home country in the crowd, and hopes his performance will help fuel the upcoming generation of fighters.
"MMA level is growing up every day," Naimov said. "Day by day, month by month, it's getting better in Tajikistan. We got very tough young generation in amateur in (IMMAF). They're becoming world champions, Europe champions, and also Asian champions. It's like great expereince before they start pro career.
"We are just four guys – four Tajik fighters from Tajikistan in UFC now. That's how you know people love us, respect us, they always show up for us."
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC Baku: Muhammad Naimov draws 'extra energy' fighting close to home
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