- I’m considering a career in amateur MMA – informed Rustam Babaev, one of the world’s best armwrestlers.

Before he went on to armwrestling, Babaev trained judo. That’s where he was spotted by his firnd, Dmitri Nikonov, an armwrestler. He told Babaev he has armwrestling potential – and he wasn’t wrong. Rustam Babaev is a world-class armwrestling star. Unfortunately he’s been suspended for 2 years during the WC in Lithuania, for using drugs.

- After I was disqualified, I’ve lost my passion for armwrestling, though I still work out, and am a personal fitness trainer – says Rustam. – I remember doing judo, and even when I was armwrestling champion of the world – I still went to the mat quite often. I’ve decided I’ll try my luck in MMA. I feel good on the mat, and armwrestling’s strengthened my arms, which gives me an advantage.

Babaev ensures us that MMA would be just a way to relax, a hobby. He’s not planning to get very high.

When asked by armpower.net if he’s planning to return to armwrestling, he replied: - So far I haven’t given it any thoughts.

Babaev is planning to use his time of suspention to take a hiatus from armwrestling, to train in his new discipline and coach others. His suspension ends next year, so he still has time.

In Igor Mazurenko’s opinion, Rustam has a great genetic potential to do martial arts.

- MMA – why not? – wonders Mazurenko. – He lacks a little in stamina, but he makes that up in strength. Natalia Truskavova’s ex-husband, Sergey, was a Ukrainian champion in armwrestling, then he went on to MMA and he had good scores. His main strength were his arms, which made it hard to use holds and bars of any kind. Babaev has a chance too.

Igor Mazurenko wishes him all the best in his new sport, but also admits that it would be a great loss for armwrestling if Babaev never comes back.

- He’s a very experienced person and he could help us a great deal in coaching the next generations – says Mazurenko. – For now, all that’s left to do is wait and see what will happen.

Iza Małkowska