“I really got into it quickly” – Murad Ramazanov on how he got into Greco-Roman wrestling

Murad Ramazanov was first exposed to the world of amateur wrestling at 12 years old. His father was a wrestler who practiced the sport while stationed in Georgia, where it was very popular.

Fast forward to 2022, and Ramazanov finds himself as an undefeated submission specialist with 11 career wins and on the cusp of a ONE world title opportunity.

Just days out from his welterweight title eliminator against ONE debutant Roberto Soldic, Murad Ramazanov discussed his first foray into wrestling:

“I started with boxing when I was 10 or 11 years old, then football for a year, where the coaches were not great. I didn't want to start freestyle wrestling because of the coaches who brought up shouting and hitting.”

Ramazanov continued:

“But one morning, when I was 12 years old, my father took me to Greco-Roman wrestling, where there was a younger coach. He had a different approach to us. My father told me that I could train for a week, and if I did not like it, then I could quit. But I really got into it quickly.”

With a win at ONE on Prime Video 5, Murad Ramazanov could find himself poised to challenge the promotion’s new welterweight titleholder, Christian Lee.

ONE on Prime Video 5: De Ridder vs. Malykhin broadcasts live on Friday, December 2, and is free for fans in the United States and Canada with an Amazon Prime subscription.

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Murad Ramazanov discusses his lengthy amateur career before turning professional

Before embarking on a professional mixed martial arts career that has him sitting undefeated at 11-0, Murad Ramazanov spent a considerable amount of time competing as an amateur.

Turning pro in 2017, Ramazanov revealed that he spent time as an amateur because he was too young to turn pro. However, he still values the experience he gained competing as an amateur:

“In 2017, I went back to the professionals because I had won everything as an amateur. My professional debut happened when I was only 17. It happened at the Moscow Pankration championship. At that time, I was too young to have a pro career. Competing as an amateur allows you to gain the necessary experience.”

That time as an amateur has clearly paid off, with the Russian grappler yet to experience a defeat in his combat sports career. He will attempt to keep that undefeated streak alive this Friday night when he makes his fourth walk to the circle.

Standing in his way will be former two-division KSW champion and Croatian knockout artist Roberto Soldic. Fans in North America can catch all the action live and for free with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription.