Diyar Nurgozhay

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started MMA training in 2015, when the sport really began to take off in our country. What drew me in was the combination of wrestling, striking, and kicks. I had my first professional fight in 2017.

What professional titles have you held? Eagle FC light heavyweight champion.

Any accomplishments in amateur combat sports? I’m a world champion in pankration, a master of sports of international class in pankration, and a three-time Kazakhstan champion in hand-to-hand combat.

What are your current ranks in martial arts? I am an International Master of Sport in pankration, a Master of Sport in hand-to-hand combat, and also a Master of Sport in MMA.

What has been your toughest fight to date and why? My toughest fight was for the Eagle FC belt. Competing in front of my home crowd brought a lot of pressure, and I made some mistakes that could have been avoided. But I took valuable lessons from that fight, and I’ve grown into a much better fighter because of it.

Who is your favorite fighter and why? I wouldn’t say I have one favorite fighter, but there are athletes I grew up watching who inspired me to start training in mixed martial arts. Fighters like Fedor Emelianenko and Jon Jones—true masters of their craft. They were a big motivation for me to pursue this career.

Beyond a championship and money, what motivates you? My biggest motivation is my family. They always support me—in victories and in defeats. They are always by my side. That support is the foundation of my motivation.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? Yes, I earned a bachelor’s degree in sports education.

What was your job before you started fighting? Before starting my professional fighting career, I worked as a loader, in a mine, and as a bodyguard.

Personal Life / Background: My life outside of fighting isn’t very flashy. Our job is training twice a day—morning and evening. Usually, once a week I spend time with my family. I have a wife and a daughter. On weekends, I like to be active—I enjoy playing football (soccer), and I often play on Saturdays in addition to my training. That helps me relax and recharge.

What is one thing that you want UFC fans to know about you? First of all, I want to raise the flag of my country and let people around the world know who the Kazakh people are and where Kazakhstan is. That’s very important to me. My previous fight ended in a loss, and this is my third fight under my contract. I’m extremely motivated and focused. God willing, I will deliver a spectacular and exciting performance for the fans.