Former PFL champion Ali Isaev shared his thoughts in an exclusive interview with Telecomasia.net regarding his exit from the American league and negotiations with the UFC.
“I had a fight announced, but unfortunately, my visa didn’t get cleared. I was left without a visa, a fight, or a new season. Otherwise, I would have stayed. I wanted to sign with the UFC and hoped it would happen. But in the end, they didn’t sign me either. There was a mess. Many people blame me: 'Why didn’t you stay with PFL?'" Isaev said.
I didn’t want to leave, but I couldn’t get a visa. Am I supposed to stay without fights for a year? I wanted to compete. I saw no problem with signing with the UFC, given who they were signing at the time. It didn’t work out. Either my managers weren’t really pushing for it, or the matchmakers weren’t interested. I still don’t understand.
Ali Isaev is a 41-year-old heavyweight and was the 2019 season champion of PFL, holding a professional MMA record of 9-0-1. His most recent fight took place in February 2023, where he faced Steve Mowry at Bellator 290. The fight ended in a draw.
