On the road to UFC 301, Myktybek Orolbai – UFC’s promising addition to the welterweight roster has been making waves. After making a splash on his debut at UFC Vegas 82, Orolbai has garnered a decent buzz among fight fans. Why? Well, not just for his impeccable submission of Uros Medic, but also because of his origins. As it turns out, the signing of the 26-year-old marked a ‘first’ in Dana White‘s promotion.
With his win over the ‘Doctor’ in November, Orolbai has already extended his run to 12-1-1. But, what’s so special about this UFC welterweight’s origins? Ahead of his UFC 301 showdown against Elves Brener, let’s take a deeper look into his background.
Where is Myktybek Orolbai from?
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Hailing from Kyrgyzstan, Orolbai’s entry into the UFC marks a significant milestone. As the first fighter from his country to join the prestigious promotion, the welterweight has opened the floodgates for lesser-known fighters, hailing from his region. Moreover, known for his dominant wrestling style, Orolbai made a name for himself in the LFA with impressive victories.
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Some of his most notable performances include wins over Hayward Charles and Jalin Fuller. One of the standout moments in Orolbai’s career was his knockout of Hayward Charles at LFA 170 – showcasing his striking prowess as well as his grappling skills. Training out of Team Alpha Male, Orolbai has demonstrated his versatility in both grappling and striking, making him a well-rounded fighter to watch out for. Orolbai is a devout follower of Islam and keeps a relatively low-profile life in public.
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Orolbai, the first UFC male fighter to come out of Kyrgyzstan, following in the footsteps of Valentina Shevchenko
Interestingly, Myktybek Orolbai joins the ranks of fighters like Valentina Shevchenko and Antonina Shevchenko, who also claim Kyrgyzstan as their birthplace, despite being citizens of Peru. While there has been no formal confirmation of this claim, it adds to the unique narrative surrounding Orolbai’s UFC journey.
As he prepares for his upcoming fight against Elves Brener at UFC 301, the welterweight remains confident in his abilities. In a recent interview with AKIPress, the UFC star declared – “I’m the first ethnic Kyrgyz in UFC. Everyone in Kyrgyzstan is thrilled; they welcomed me warmly. My UFC debut was on short notice, but I won. Now, I’m ready for my second fight, in the 70 kg weight category.”
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Moreover, divulging his preparations & training camp, Orolbai added, “Preparation went smoothly, and I’m confident. My opponent is good. On Saturday, we’ll show an exciting fight. I’m prepared for both grappling and striking. We are ready. I will win this fight!”
With his determination and skill set, Myktybek Orolbai is poised to make a mark on the UFC & its welterweight division. What do you think? Will the UFC welterweight be able to extend his win streak at UFC 301? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.