Shtyrkov: I am grateful to Shlemenko for mentoring me at the beginning of my career

In three days on December 15 at the fifth RCC Russian Cagefighting Championship tournament in Yekaterinburg 13 fights will take place, and two fights can be singled out as the main event of the tournament: Ivan Shtyrkov (14-0-1) vs. Tiago Silva (21-7) and Alexander Shlemenko (56-12) vs. Jonas Billstein (20-5-1). Today they held open training sessions and shared their expectations from the upcoming fights.

“I was preparing to the battle with Maldonado,” said Shtyrkov. “Now comes the main stage of the weight race, tomorrow we need to adjust the weight to the norm and be patient before weighing. Despite the fact that now there is not enough carbohydrates, and there is a slight weakness, I feel great and in the fighting mood. The fight with Maldonado became a transitional stage to a duel with Silva. Morally, when the battles are close, you tune in to one fight, and you don’t have time to step back, and it’s time for you to go out again. But this is my job.

“Silva is a very experienced fighter. He passed everything, he has UFC behind his back. He loves to fight in the stance and is good on the floor. There is already a plan for a fight, but in any case I will build on the situation in the octagon.

“I am grateful to Alexander Shlemenko for being my mentor. Now he does not have a very good streak in battles, but he is sure that he is ready for the tournament and will show a spectacular duel. Without predictions - just cheer for him with all my heart,” said Ivan Shtyrkov.