Exclusive: Rising star Paulin Begai aims for UFC Paris after ARES FC title fight

Paulin Begai. Photo via Instagram (@begai.p)

After three straight win in French promotion ARES FC, rising star Paulin Begai (5-2) is looked in on winning the promotion’s vacant light heavyweight strap.

On Thursday July 11, he will take on the tough and undefeated Abdulrakhman Yakhyaev (4-0) on ARES 23.

Frontkick got hold of Begai’s cornerman, Allstar Training Centers own Mohammad Babadivand, to talk about the upcoming title bout.

“When Paulin Begai wins this fight we hope to sign with the UFC. We want to fight at UFC Paris in September. I think it will happen,” Babadivand says.

Mohammad Babivand, Volkan Oezdemir, Najib Adams and Paulin Begai. Photo via Instagram (@begai.p)

Sparring partner of Ciryl Gane

The French 205er is a sparring partner of Ciryl Gane, who’s the biggest UFC star in the country. He also trains together with top ranked light heavyweight contender Volkan Oezdemir, who will join Babadivand in the corner on Thursday.

“Begai is a very all-around fighter,” Babadivand says. “He’s a technical athlete with great stand up, as well as good takedown defense.”

What can you say about his opponent, Abdulrakhman Yakhyaev?

“He’s a very talanted wrestler. Very good on the ground and okay standing as well. It doesn’t matter where the fight goes. We will try to knock Yakhyaev out, but we can for sure wrestle too.”

Click “Next” to Check out the ARES 23 fight card!