Alexander Sarnavsky: I have every chance to become the best lightweight on the planet.

Anton Gurevich via lowkick.com



At the age of 22, Alexander “The Tiger” Sarnavskiy is one of the most promising fighters in the world of Mixed Martial Arts. Holding a professional record of 15-0 with 5 KO/TKO and 8 Submission victories, Sarnavskiy, who is considered by many as the best Lightweight in Europe, is well-known for his well-rounded game and a style that leaves his opponent no room for mistakes inside the ring or cage.

The Tiger started his career three years ago (on December 12th), defeating Rishat Gilmitdinov via Triangle Choke in Round 1. The Tiger fought four times the following year, as part of what was slowly becoming a professional fighting career.

“Psychologically, I think my first fight was the toughest,” revealed Alexander Sarnavskiy. “It’s when you really understand what professional MMA is all about, and how hard it is to get a victory. I was lucky to have my coach around during that fight. He really motivated me, which eventually helped to overcome this obstacle.”

Sarnavskiy trains alongside the two-time Bellator Middleweight Tournament Winner Alexander “Storm” Shlemenko, in a camp that already produced a solid number of top tier talent. Shlemenko plays a very important role in Sarnavskiy’s career, both as a friend and a training partner. The Tiger considers "Storm" a mentor, claiming that he is the one who helps his career to move in the right direction.

”I’m involved in martial arts since the age of 12,” said Sarnavskiy. “My first coach was Vladimir Sborovskiy. After he passed away, I started to train with Alexander Shlemenko, who is now my coach to everything related to MMA. He shares his experience, so we would not make the mistakes he did in his early career.”

When talking about the future of his MMA career, Alexander Sarnavskiy has a very clear vision – to become the best Lightweight on the planet. “I think I have every chance to become the best Lightweight on the planet,” he said. “I have the perfect conditions to be a successful fighter; with great training partners, camp and management. Each fight I’m trying to prove I’m the best at what I do.”

Still, Sarnavskiy considers the reigning UFC Lightweight Champion Frankie Edgar as “currently the best”, labeling his well-roundness and the ability to move unlike any other fighter inside the Octagon. Also, despite his ambitions, Sarnavskiy is under no illusion regarding what he has to do in order to achieve his goals.

Russian fighters are often struggling to conquer the hearts of U.S. audience, but for Sarnavskiy, it’s all about working hard day by day. “I have the strength to become a popular fighter,” stated Sarnavskiy, “It all depends on me. I’m still a young fighter and there’s still a plenty of room for improvement.”

Just one week after Fedor Emelianenko’s victory over Jeff Monson, it’s hard not to think about the future of Mixed Martial Arts in Russia. Sarnavskiy can be easily related to the new breed of Russian MMA fighters, a second generation after the likes of Oleg Taktarov, Igor Vovchanchyn and Fedor Emelianenko. Sarnavskiy still has a long way to go before he reaches the legendary status of the mentioned above fighters. But one thing is true "The Tiger" shows all the signs of developing into a top-tier fighter.

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Looks like Sarnavskiy is gonna be stuck in some kind of legal fight between M-1 and Bellator, so his next high profile fight is unknown. But he has been fighting in a lot of regional promotions and keeping pretty active..

I hope M-1 can kep him and let him fight Weichel for the title. It´s not often you find such an all-round talent. What´s up with Bellator stealing M-1 fighters, not cool..

I am not even sure what is going on, because Sarnavsky contract seems non-exclusive. He could potentially fight for both Bellator and M-1, which would be pretty cool by me.

At the same time, if Bellator wanted to borrow a contracted fighter, I am sure M-1 would be happy to make a deal with them, so I don't see the need for dirty business, if there is any.

I was worried this was going to be like Slava

Oh duhh.. Sorry, everybody, I got him confused with Slava.. lol Thanks Johan for straightenin me out..

There is no dispute over Sarnavskiy. Here's some of his fights where he DESTROYS:

Lol, damn you brace. Kogan told me Tiger will get the titleshot soon so I don´t want him to leave.

o man, I hope I didn't jinx him.. lol

brace wrote:I am not even sure what is going on, because Sarnavsky contract seems non-exclusive. He could potentially fight for both Bellator and M-1, which would be pretty cool by me.

At the same time, if Bellator wanted to borrow a contracted fighter, I am sure M-1 would be happy to make a deal with them, so I don't see the need for dirty business, if there is any.

I know his M1 but it would be great if he fought for both M1 and Bellator. More fights the better.

Tiger and Slava are fucking savages. forget Zavurov and guram.

goodnightirene wrote:Tiger and Slava are fucking savages. forget Zavurov and guram.

They could be the best fighters on the whole M-1 roster.

He's fighting Francisco Drinaldo on the dec 9th showtime card.

http://mixfight.ru/news/2011/11/28/Sarnavsky/

Will m-1 show an official stream of the show?

I don't feel like subscribing to showtime again cause their shows are shit.

He does have every chance to be the best. But lets hope he stays in M-1.

but the reality is, they would get embarassed in global mma, and then faggets like myself will hop onto a new savior bangwagon.

^ pls stop trolling, friend. Or at least form some sort of argument without name calling.

btw, goodnightirene is the first troll post on here congrats!

brace wrote:btw, goodnightirene is the first troll post on here congrats!

what part of his post is trolling?

Apres Moi wrote:

brace wrote:btw, goodnightirene is the first troll post on here congrats!

what part of his post is trolling?

you just jealous he beat you to it..

oh wait, didnt you say something about Fedor a whil back.. that may have been it..