Introduction
[#220 LW] Salamat Isbulaev (9-0) is a 27 year old professional MMA athlete. He is undefeated as a pro and has never gone the distance, with all finishes by either TKO or submission, and only one fight going past the first round. As an amateur, Isbulaev has had a record of 29-2. This is unusual, due to the fact that MMA fighters typically move from amateur to professional earlier in their career than he did. Currently, he is managed by Miras Temirbolat with Paradigm Sports. Salamat is the lightweight title holder for the Kazakh promotion Alash Pride FC, and is looking to working his way to signing with a major world-wide MMA organization.
Q&A
FightMatrix: Tell us about your childhood and upbringing. At what age did you start practicing martial arts?
Salamat Isbulaev: I was born and raised in a complete family. We lived in a village, and I used to attend dance and football classes. Since I was the youngest in the family, it was my older brother who sparked my interest in fighting.
FM: What led you to a career as a professional MMA fighter?
SI: After a long amateur career, I wanted to move to a new level — professional MMA.
FM: Who were your mentors growing up?
SI: My father and my coach.
FM: Who do you consider the greatest MMA fighter of all time?
SI: When I was just getting into the sport, Fedor Emelianenko was at the peak of his fame. He revived and made MMA popular in our country.
FM: Are there any active fighters you look up to?
SI: Every fighter has their strengths, and I study those strengths and try to apply them in training.
FM: What does your typical training day look like?
SI: Training, eating, and sleep.
FM: You had 31 fights in your amateur career. Why didn’t you turn pro earlier?
SI: I actually had even more amateur fights. My goal was to become a national champion and prove myself on the international stage.
FM: Who has been your toughest opponent so far?
SI: Every opponent is tough in their own way — you just have to find the right key to beat them.
FM: What are your short-term and long-term career goals?
SI: To sign with a major promotion and work my way toward the championship belt.
FM: In the FightMatrix rankings, you’re currently #222 in the world at lightweight. Do you agree with that ranking?
SI: I don’t really follow the rankings, but if it’s there, it would be great to rise to the top of the list.
FM: Since turning pro in 2023, you’ve had 9 fights — all wins, all finishes, all but one in the first round. Do you plan to continue fighting at this pace?
SI: It’s hard to predict anything, but I’d love for it to keep going this way.
FM: What advice would you give to aspiring MMA fighters?
SI: Believe in yourself and chase your dreams!
FM: Do you have any hobbies outside of fighting?
SI: Most of my time outside of fighting and training I spend with my family — my wife and son.
FM: Is there anything you’d like to share with our readers?
SI: Keep an eye on me — you’ll soon see me at the top of the FightMatrix rankings!
MMA & Boxing Author | Business Development Consultant
I have been a fan and avid viewer of all combat sports for decades. I was once a Judoka, which is what eventually piqued my interest in Mixed Martial Arts. I have been a spectator of the UFC since 2001. For 25 years I’ve worked in healthcare, and now am trying to make something that was a hobby, into a full-time endeavor.