DWCS winner Azamat Murzakanov hopes to compensate for lost time after earning UFC deal

LAS VEGAS – Azamat Murzakanov is eager to ramp up his activity now that he’s secured a UFC contract.

Murzakanov (10-0) made quick work of Matheus Scheffel in the main event of Dana White’s Contender Series 37 on Tuesday with a first-round TKO in his first fight in almost two years. The 34-year-old, who hadn’t competed since winning the BRAVE CF open weight tournament in November 2019, wants a fight booked as soon as possible.

“As far as the opponents, I’m not really picking the opponents,” Murzakanov said at the post-fight news conference. “But one thing I know, as fast as possible I’d like to compete in the UFC. I waited too long for this, and now I have to compensate with the time I lost. So as busy as the UFC can keep me, I’m ready.”

Murzakanov’s performance received high praise from White, who said he’d like to see him drop to 185 pounds. And while the Russian won’t rule out that option in the future, he’d like to make a run at light heavyweight first.

“It’s a possibility we will fight at middleweight, but in the meantime, I’d like to get my traditional weight class 205,” Murzakanov said. “Just get a few fights at least, and we’ll see what happens after that.”