Rousimar Palhares willing to fight to the death but promising 'beautiful fight'

At next week’s Fight Nights Global 85 event, submission specialist Rousimar Palhares will challenge for the promotion’s welterweight title, and he’s promising a performance that is not to be missed.

“My opponent is still undefeated,” Palhares said through a translator. “He has a strong punch. It’s not a coincidence that he became the contender for the championship belt. But I’m ready – absolutely.”

Brazil’s Palhares (19-8-1) takes on Russia’s Aliaskhab Khizriev (9-0) in the co-main event of Fight Nights Global 85, which takes place March 30 at VTB Ice Palace in Moscow. The card streams live on Russian social media platform VK.com.

Palhares was last in action in September, where he was originally handed a split-decision loss to Shamil Amirov before the contest was ultimate overturned following a review by the Russian MMA Union.

Palhares admits it wasn’t his best effort but promises he’s made the changes necessary to ensure his success this time around.

“Last time I wasn’t in my best shape,” Palhares admitted. “I couldn’t get my job done the way I wanted. But thank God I got this lesson, and now I’m smarter.”

While Palhares is a gifted submission artist, Khizriev is dangerous with his strikes, earning two of his three Fight Nights Global wins via first-round knockout, so the clash of styles could prove for an intriguing affair.

“Toquinho” believes he’s destined for victory and says he’s willing to sacrifice everything to have his hand raised and a belt wrapped around his waist.

“My opponent is strong, as I said,” Palhares said “He has a powerful punch, but I am ready to implement all my plans in this battle. We will show such a beautiful fight that it will be watched again and again.

“Khizriev is strong, but he’s going to be attacked by a guy who fights to the death, and that’s me. I’ll do it because I want to win at all costs.”

For more on Fight Nights Global 85, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.