UFC Star's Love for Kazakhstan: Hospitality and Upcoming Bout

Top UFC Fighter Praises Kazakhstan's Hospitality Ahead of Baku Bout Russian UFC fighter Tagir Ulanbekov, currently ranked tenth in the flyweight division and part of Khabib Nurmagomedov's team, recently shared his overwhelmingly positive experiences in Kazakhstan. In an interview, Ulanbekov described the Kazakh people as incredibly hospitable, stating, "Every time we leave, we're three or four kilos heavier!" He particularly enjoyed the Kazakh cuisine, noting the plentiful and delicious food. Ulanbekov has visited Almaty, Astana, and Atyrau, forging strong bonds with people he considers "older brothers." This positive sentiment is particularly notable as Ulanbekov is set to face a Kazakh fighter, Azat Maksum, in an upcoming UFC match in Baku on June 21st. Despite the upcoming competition, Ulanbekov emphasized that it is purely a sporting contest, expressing his respect for Maksum. This positive portrayal of Kazakhstan by a high-profile athlete offers a refreshing perspective on international sports relations.