FOR three consecutive fights, it seemed like nobody on the fringes of world-level would be able to hang with Umar Dzambekov. The Russian-born, Austrian national, now based in the United States, was wracking up impressive finishes as quickly as passports.
Following two first-round blasts, rugged gatekeeper Roamer Alexis Angulo, a Colombian puncher only ever stopped by David Benavidez, fiddled Dzambekov around for eight rounds just under four months ago.
Normal service was resumed in Chumash Casino, Santa Ynez, on Friday night when Dzambekov welcomed another fierce Russian puncher, Artem Brusov, to town.
The glaring statistic on Brusov’s record was his two-plus years of inactivity. Shaking that off as a non-issue, Brusov was soon left shaking in the ring, probably wishing he’d stayed on the couch following a ruthless round two dismissal.
“It was one of the game plans, so it was just a matter of time to land that left hand and yeah, it worked out. Oh my goodness, electrifying fight from start to finish,” the winner told UFC Fight Pass interviewer Pearl Gonzalez post-fight.
Admitting that he feels great about his career trajectory, the need to get noticed on social media has become part of a boxer’s responsibilities.
“Definitely, as in any other fight, I want to get the finish. I was of course intending the 10 rounds if necessary, but this wasn’t the case. I want to go viral every day in a positive way.”
Staying active is a key part of climbing the rankings. Getting back out again will be down to his team and promoter Tom Loeffler.
“Whenever my team tells me, whenever Tom tells me, so I’m ready,” he confirmed.
“I mean, I’ll be in shape. I’ll showcase it. And yeah, I’m looking forward to 2026, to be honest. I’m learning. I’m getting better every day. The thing is, nowadays you need social media and all that.
“You need to go viral, be popular. I think it’s just a matter of time until I’m there and people see and recognise me as a real deal. I agree.”
