Tajikistan at ACBJJ 22: Khasanov wins as Norkuziev loses and Nazruloev faces a major test

Kamariddin “Kamil Karate” Khasanov began his ACBJJ career with a victory, but only after his opponent used a prohibited technique and was disqualified. The Tajik fighter had recently signed with the Absolute Championship of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and made his organizational debut in Turkey.

Khasanov faced India’s Uwais Yakub in the 70-kilogram division. The bout ended before it could provide a full-distance test, and the victory went to Khasanov. ACBJJ presents a different challenge for a fighter accustomed to combining striking, wrestling and ground fighting in MMA, because grappling alone must create the path to victory.

Tajikistan’s second representative, Dilshod Norkuziev, went the distance against Turkish athlete Isfak Seyit but lost on the judges’ decision. He was one of two Tajik participants to complete the full bout, though he could not turn that endurance into a positive result.

The tournament’s most prominent matchup for Tajikistan featured Halim Nazruloev and Kazakhstan’s Asu Almabaev. Nazruloev entered with a 13-0 professional MMA record and a reputation as one of Tajikistan’s few active undefeated professionals. Almabaev, an experienced UFC fighter, brought a wrestling-heavy style to the 60-kilogram title bout.

From the opening minutes, Almabaev repeatedly took Nazruloev down, using throws over himself and leg sweeps before working to improve his position on the ground. He also sought submissions, took Nazruloev’s back and repeatedly looked for an early finish. At times he allowed Nazruloev to escape a difficult position, but he regained control after the exchanges resumed.