After losing to French fighter Fares Ziam at UFC 323, Azerbaijani lightweight fighter Nazim Sadykhov shared a heartfelt video message on social media. He explained his situation in detail after his unsuccessful performance and shared his emotions.
Idman.Biz reports that Sadykhov admitted that he could not show even a fraction of his potential.
"Guys, salaam alaikum. This was a terrible performance. I couldn't get going at all today. I don't know why. I have no excuses. I had very good preparation. Weight loss, warm-up, everything went perfectly. I felt great until the gong rang. But today I just couldn't get going," the fighter emphasized.
The fighter also congratulated his opponent and stated his intention to rise in the rankings again:
"I congratulate Fares and his team. The goal has not changed. I will be back. I will go up step by step. Now is not the time to say that I deserve something. I have to go back to the gym and unlock a new version of myself."
Sadykhov emphasized that he considered his performance weak and gave himself the harshest assessment:
"I am capable of more. Today there was terrible wrestling, terrible boxing, terrible ground game. I know I can do better and I will show it. Thank you all. Long live Azerbaijan. God bless the USA."
He repeatedly apologized to the fans and thanked the UFC for the opportunities given to him:
"I'm so sorry. I have no excuses. Thank you UFC, thank you Sean Shelby, Mick Maynard, Dana, Hunter. You gave me something that less than 0.01 percent of people get."
Sadykhov also admitted that he would be ready to lose in a tough fight, but his passivity particularly shook him:
"I would prefer a dramatic back-and-forth fight, even losing by knockout, than going out and not being able to do anything. I am my own harshest critic. First loss in 7 years. It's terrible. My heart is broken, everything is burning inside me."
At the same time, the Azerbaijani fighter emphasized that his faith and spirit remain unshaken:
"No one can break my spirit and faith. I am grateful for the support - my Azerbaijan, my Brooklyn, my America. I am lucky."
In the end, the fighter stated that his path continues:
"I will be back. The path of the "Black Wolf" is not over yet. My standards remain high. You will see me at the top. I promise. Thank you all. See you soon."
The defeat to Ziam was the second defeat in Nazim Sadykhov's career, and he has already drawn conclusions and stated that he will return to the octagon stronger.