In a remarkable turn of events, undefeated prospect Shamil Gaziev has set his sights on making his UFC debut on the grand stage of UFC 295, sharing the spotlight with none other than the legendary Jon Jones. Gaziev, with an impressive 11-0 record, clinched his UFC contract in stunning fashion by submitting Greg Velasco (6-1) within the first round during Dana White’s Contender Series 63.
As the anticipation for UFC 295 builds, Jon Jones is scheduled to defend his heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic on November 11, at Madison Square Garden in New York. Gaziev’s ambition is clear: to make a memorable entrance on the same card as Jones and announce his presence in the UFC with authority.
During the post-fight press conference of DWCS 63, Gaziev expressed his desire, saying, “I would like to ask the UFC if it’s possible to give me a fight where Jon Jones will fight. To open the card and to announce that today I am opening the card, but my goal is to fight the guy that will win in the main event. If the UFC gives me the chance, I will be happy to open this historical fight card.”
Gaziev’s confidence stems from his extensive amateur background, which includes victories in high-stakes competitions such as the IMMAF World Championships and European Championships. Reflecting on his journey, Gaziev stated, “Since I started my career as an amateur in IMMAF, I was fighting high-level guys, world championship in Asia, European championships. I won a gold medal, and the best fighters from each country came from amateur national teams so, in UFC as well, I am ready to fight top guys. But, if UFC will not give me top guys, I will not be upset. I will fight anyone as soon as possible.”
Shamil Gaziev’s ambition to make his UFC debut alongside Jon Jones at UFC 295 has ignited significant excitement within the MMA community. His impressive track record and confidence indicate that he is ready to face top-tier opponents right from the start. However, securing a spot on the same card as Jones would undoubtedly be a remarkable achievement, and fans are eagerly awaiting the UFC’s decision.
Gaziev’s request to share the stage with Jon Jones at UFC 295 is a bold move, showcasing his self-assuredness and hunger for success in the promotion. While it’s a long shot, it’s not entirely out of the realm of possibility given Gaziev’s undefeated record and his desire to make an immediate impact. If this dream match-up materializes, it could become one of the most talked-about moments in UFC history. MMA fans around the world will be keeping a close eye on the developments surrounding this exciting prospect.
