Yusuf Kurt meets Micah Naisbet this Saturday at Almighty Fighting Championship 26 in a fight that promises to deliver for those attending.
Almighty FC 26 takes place at the Rainton Arena in Houghton le Springs for the second time in 2022. If the second trip is anything like the first, grab those tickets while you can.
The main event is headlined by Almighty FC flyweight king Shaj Haque who puts his belt on the line for the first time against the game Elliot Hoye. Beforehand, fans can expect a thrilling evening of amateur and professional action throughout.
Speaking of game, we caught up with Yusuf Kurt (3-1), who fights out of Crowning Glory MMA in Scotland, to get his thoughts on what is his toughest test to date.
Interview With Yusuf Kurt
Few days out from fight night. Tell me how you’re feeling and how fight week is usually for you? A lot of nerves? Excitement, or is it emotionless?
Always very excited, like a kid on Christmas waiting to get at the presents. Nerves happen a few weeks out, but when it’s only a few days away, I get so excited to get in there.
You’ll make the walk on Saturday for the second time this year and your first time on Almighty. What are your thoughts on the promotion, and is it a promotion you’ve been keen on fighting on previous to the fight booking?
I have wanted to fight on Almighty since I first saw it in the summer of 2021 before my first amatuer fight. Honoured to be headlining the amatuer card on my AFC debut.
Yusuf Kurt Talks Forza Bout
We saw you out there in March at Forza. Obviously, you got the win on the night, but were you totally satisfied with your performance? Was there anything in there you weren’t pleased with?
I loved that fight, finally got to show off my striking skills against a good kickboxer. All my fights had been grappling-centred up until that one. Felt incredibly good before, during and after. The only major takeaway was to be more composed in the cage, which I’ve been working on since.
How important was it for you to get back into the win column after the disappointing outing against MacKenzie Liddle? Was the disqualification a tough one to take?
It’s weird because I never got the feeling I really lost that fight. I really don’t know what to think about that fight. Just gonna be a fun pub story now.
Lessons Thus Far
Your (3-1) thus far in your amateur career, some may say (3-0). With that being said, what do you feel is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far, and how would you sum up your time in the amateur scene so far.
I’ve learned so much, and it’s not even been a year since I first started competing in mma. I’d say the start to my amatuer career is exactly what I wanted. Fast, brutal, crazy and controversial. I quickly made a name for myself across Scotland in just a month with my two fights on Evolution of Combat.
You meet Micah Naisbet on fight night. A tough undefeated opponent, which makes for an excellent matchup. How do you view this fight?
He’s a good fighter, I respect his skillset and grit. He will respect mine.
Almighty FC
Almighty FC promoter Ray Thompson believes this is going to be one of the most entertaining fights on the entire card. How nice is it to hear the promoter speaking of and rating you highly before the fight?
Anyone, who actually watches MMA, would look at this fight and go, “That’s a fight of the night bonus right there”. They would be f**king right. Ray is the man.
Have you had the opportunity to watch any of Michas fights back? Break down his game from your point of view. Where do you feel he’s good, and perhaps his weaknesses?
Competitors who don’t watch fights back are missing a massive advantage. I’ve watched his fights, of course. I’m sure he’s watched mine, and if he hasn’t, then well, that’s a shame. He stands out as a good grappler to me. I’m a pretty decent grappler myself.
How does one prepare for somebody who is yet to be defeated? Is it a case of working on your own game?
By training hard and smart, no other way.
If all goes well on Saturday night, what does the rest of the year look like for you? How many more are you looking to get in?
Saturday is the only thing on my mind, plus the doner kebab after it.
Saturday 25th June, Almighty FC 26. How does Yusuf Kurt get it done?
I have no clue what will happen. It’s going to be a scrap nonetheless.
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Featured image credits to Rise and Conquer
Almighty FC 26 Tickets can be purchased following the link: Tickets / Almighty Fighting Championship (almightyfc.com)
