Bilyal Makhov Bilyal Makhov , an Olympic bronze-medal wrestler at the 2012 Summer Olympics, still has his eye on a gold medal in 2016. But he’s taken a step toward another goal: winning the UFC heavyweight title. Despite no pro MMA fights, Makhov has signed with the UFC, his representatives today announced (via Twitter ): Congrats to my @KDojoTribe partner @muratkeshtov & Olympic wrestling medalist #BilyalMakhov on UFC signing! pic.twitter.com/XfPzkH17ij — Brigitte Narcise (@BrigitteNarcise) April 25, 2015 A rep subsequently told MMAjunkie that Makhov’s first priority is getting to the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro and earning a gold medal in either freestyle or Greco-Roman wrestling. Afterward, the 27-year-old will turn his focus to MMA. Makhov made some waves earlier this month when his trainer, Murat Keshtov of K Dojo Warrior Tribe, told MMAjunkie the MMA newcomer could beat UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez within a half year of training. “Give me six months to work with him, and we will take the UFC heavyweight belt to Russia,” Keshtov said
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Olympic medalist Bilyal Makhov signs with UFC, still eyes 2016 Summer Games – MMA Junkie