Alex Chizov is set to face Gadzhi Rabadanov in the co-main event of PFL Sioux Falls on May 2nd. Chizov, who is ranked number two, will be competing against Rabadanov, also ranked number two in the PFL lightweight division. Reflecting on the significance of this fight, which is arguably the biggest challenge of his career to date, Chizov shared his perspective.
“Being from Latvia, a small European country that many worldwide are unaware of, reaching the United States, a premier destination for fighting with the highest caliber of events and athletes, feels like a dream come true for a young aspiring MMA fighter,” Chizov stated. “If you had told me this 10 years ago, I would have thought you were mistaken. I am cherishing every moment of this journey because it is truly remarkable.”
Chizov also spoke about overcoming challenging circumstances to reach his current position in mixed martial arts.
“When I began my MMA career in Latvia, we lacked prominent international fighters whom I could point to my parents as examples of success. I felt like I was forging a new path from my country into the global MMA scene. While being the first is significantly more difficult, it is also a great privilege, and I am grateful for it,” he explained.
Widely regarded as Latvia’s top MMA fighter, Chizov acknowledges the pressure and pride that comes with his status.
“The pressure is always present, but it is beneficial. It keeps me sharp. As Latvians, from a country with less than two million people, I want to show others that anything is possible. You should not be afraid to dream big, regardless of your nationality, be it England, America, Brazil, or even small Latvia,” Chizov asserted. “Nowadays, your origin is less important. I aim to demonstrate to my countrymen that with the right attitude, hard work, and self-belief, one can achieve a great deal. Carrying my flag on a big stage is a significant source of pride for me.”
Chizov’s impressive record includes multiple Latvian combat sambo titles, regional MMA championships, and a PFL Europe title. Discussing how this bout could propel him towards a PFL world title shot, he remarked:
“This is a tremendous opportunity to fight in the United States for the first time, in the co-main event against the second-ranked fighter. Sometimes I wake up and can’t believe it’s real. A year ago, I was in a completely different situation, which shows how rapidly things can change in sports and how one’s life can transform within a year – it’s truly incredible. I remember watching fighters like Gadzhi Rabadanov a year ago and thinking it would be amazing to fight them in two or three years. Now, just one year later, I’m fighting Gadzhi in a co-main event; it’s unbelievable, and I am immensely grateful.”
Alex Chizov Revels in the Magnitude of This Moment Facing Khabib’s Protégé
Khabib Nurmagomedov has publicly endorsed Gadzhi Rabadanov, who regularly trains with the former UFC lightweight champion’s team. When asked about his perspective on facing Rabadanov, who is under the tutelage of ‘The Eagle,’ Chizov expressed his mindset:
“My strongest asset is my mentality. I genuinely do not care that he is from Dagestan or that he is part of Khabib’s team. We all know Khabib’s team produces some of the world’s best fighters. I believe many people fighting members of that team overthink it, feeling they are fighting Khabib or Islam Makhachev. For me, it’s fantastic to have the opportunity to face one of them, knowing firsthand that Khabib’s team produces top-tier fighters. My goal since joining the PFL has been to compete against the best, defeat them, and become a champion. It’s great because even outside the cage, people might think, ‘Oh God, he’s from Khabib’s team, he’s Dagestani, it’s too much, I’m not on that level.’ But as I said, people often fear the Dagestani fighters or Khabib’s team. I, however, am unbothered by that.”
“I am facing another man, just like myself. He is skilled and experienced, which is great, just like me. These factors do not affect me. I believe in myself and my hard work, and that is all that matters. This fight excites me because I have never sought the easy path to greatness. I know many do, picking their opponents. This will be my 17th professional fight, and I have never turned down a fight. If you want to be the best, which is my ultimate aspiration, you cannot deceive yourself by fighting average opponents and believing you are legitimate. When you are alone, you know the truth. For me, fighting him is an opportunity to prove to myself, my country, and the world that I can compete at the caliber of these fighters. It’s a great opportunity, nothing more.”
