The Mineev and Ismailov trilogy is yet to come. But Volzhanin accepts Magi’s challenge in vain.

The Mineev and Ismailov trilogy is yet to come. But Volzhanin accepts Magi’s challenge in vain.

Vitaly Vesely November 26, 2023, 20:00 Moscow time Audio version: Your browser does not support the audio element.

It’s time to end this confrontation with massive fights and mutual insults.

Any fan of domestic MMA will first remember Vladimir Mineev and Magomed Ismailov when it comes to fighters who continue to delight fans with their fights. Both have not only an excellent combat arsenal, but also, extremely importantly, excellent charisma.

Both Vladimir and Magomed even starred in films or television series, and did not play their roles, appearing briefly in episodes, but were key characters in the stories. In fact, Mineev played the main role in the film “Bull Terrier.” Thanks to all this, the fame of athletes has gone far beyond the ring or the octagon. And therefore, if a husband asks his wife to take time off to attend her friend’s birthday, motivating him by watching Mineev or Ismailov fight, she will reluctantly nod in understanding.

And it so happened that there is a special “chemistry” between the two that, probably, no longer exists between anyone else in Russian MMA. The athletes faced each other twice, and each time it was a performance in which each spectator wanted, so as not to miss any details, to be in the front row.

When the fighters ended in a draw after the first match, it immediately became clear that this was just an ellipsis. For both, the result was unacceptable and each one set the goal of reaching the big place. We had to wait three years to get revenge. But it was worth it: a great fight with a lot of punches. The most brilliant beginning performed by Magi, when it seemed that she was close to success, and the no less brilliant ending performed by Mineev, which turned into a real disaster for the Bald Predator. Loss of consciousness, oxygen mask and even thoughts of withdrawing. Magomed simply could not forgive Mineev for this. And therefore, the notorious final point was never put in the confrontation between the two star fighters. They both understand it very well and from time to time they talk about the third fight.

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Lately there has been talk with renewed vigor of a trilogy. The fighters themselves skillfully warm them up, increasing the degree of confrontation. First of all, Mineev, in the context of Ismailov’s talks on the situation in the Gaza Strip, will buy fake banknotes from him to pave the way to Palestine. Then Maga will respond harshly. There will be a pause for a moment and then the fighters will add more wood again so that the fire does not go out. To Vladimir’s witty post, in which he showed Ismailov unconscious after a knockout in their second fight, Maga responded with an equally scathing post, showing Mineev’s bruised face, reminding him that not everything was so simple in their confrontation.

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And apparently, fans finally have a reason to rejoice. Russian promoter Kamil Gadzhiev has repeatedly expressed interest in holding a third fight between Volzhanin and Bald Predator. It seems that Kamil is no less interested in him than the fighters themselves. According to Gadzhiev, the athletes will be able to meet again in April or May next year.

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Since his loss in the fight with Mineev, Ismailov has worked significantly on his fighting skills. And most importantly, he improved the “gas tank”, which so treacherously let him down last time. After all, it was the Bald Predator’s fatigue that allowed the experienced Mineev to turn the situation around. After this, Maga fought several fights, where he won by decisions. You may remember his MMA fight with Ivan Shlemenko or his boxing matches with Alexander Ilic and Ivan Shtyrkov. They all lasted the entire distance, and in each one of them Maga looked great, even in the finishes. Thus, the risk of “suffocating” in the third fight has been significantly reduced for Ismailov, although he still keeps it in mind:

“Survive to [Минеев] Two rounds or not? That is the question?! If he survives, will I fall asleep on the third due to lack of oxygen? What is the second question? There is intrigue, I won’t be careful yet, let it be a disaster and the answer to two questions!

Magomed Ismailov and Vladimir Mineev

Photo: AMC Fight Nights

Another factor may also favor Ismailov. As you know, Mineev has been in the SVO zone for a long time and only returns from time to time to fight. Apparently, Vladimir’s formation process is well established on the ground. Still, the Bald Predator’s position seems preferable, as he can train whenever and wherever he wants. And in confrontations between fighters of this level, the most insignificant details can influence. Whether they will have an impact in the end or not will be demonstrated by the battle, which, apparently, will not have to wait long.