On July 20, the third fight will take place in the confrontation between Magomed Ismailov and Vladimir Mineev. Moreover, for the first time, the fighters will determine the strongest in a boxing match. However, even before, they did not miss the opportunity to swing their fists at any convenient opportunity.

And so the press conference before the long-awaited confrontation was marked by a loud brawl.

The Birth of Confrontation

Talks about the first fight between Mineev and Ismailov began back in 2016. At that time, both athletes gained a certain weight in Russian mixed martial arts. Vladimir did not know defeats in the “cage”, having finished seven out of eight fights with early victories.

And Ismailov, although he could not boast of an impeccable record, had a huge audience on social networks. Even Magomed admitted that he managed to get a contract for a fight with Volzhanin thanks to his large fan base. In addition, even then the Dagestani fighter was already splendidly promoting his own performances.

Talk of the fight died down after Mineev’s unexpected defeat to the experienced Maikel Falcao, but flared up with renewed vigor when Volzhanin took revenge.

Vladimir and Magomed often teased each other without much malice. Ismailov even congratulated Mineev on his victory over the Brazilian.

“Congratulations, Vladimir! The powerful victory gave you confidence. As soon as you called me, my leg started to heal faster,” Magomed wrote on social media.

Magomed Ismailov and Vladimir Mineev / Photo: © AMC FIGHT NIGHTS

“Maga, you are a coward.”

The fighters’ relationship deteriorated sharply and reached the level of insults after the defeat of Russian Adam Yandiev in the UFC. Vladimir hastened to say that Yandiev was no longer his level, to which he received a harsh response from Ismailov via social networks.

— You started gloating and saying that Adam is not your level. Damn, right after the defeat? Are you serious?! Where is your fighting solidarity and dignity? When Falcao destroyed you in the ring, I didn’t say that. If your would-be opponent lost, then find the courage and dignity in yourself to at least not gloat, — Mineev wrote.

Vladimir also got worked up, insulting the Caucasian fighter with a word for which it is customary to severely punish in the mountains.

– Maga, you are a coward. You are looking for allies, currying favor and trying to slander me. A pathetic commentator, dependent on public opinion. Only cowards who have neither strength nor spirit act like that. You are promoting yourself and sticking your worthless opinion everywhere. You are not a warrior, you are a blogger, – wrote Mineev.

After that, threats and insults rained down on Volzhanin. Magomed called Mineev “a fan of wearing women’s shirts” and also promised to deal with him in ten minutes if they found themselves alone in a closed room.

On September 27, 2018, three weeks before the fight, a press conference was supposed to take place, combined with an autograph session. But even before it began, Magomed burst into the hall where Mineev was and immediately hit Vladimir, to which he received a harsh response.

Open video

A massive brawl ensued, as a result of which security had to escort Ismailov out of the building. It’s good that no one was hurt, and the fighters had a normal conversation with the press the next day. But it was clear that the opponents were eager to stab each other harder and get into the octagon as quickly as possible.

The legendary five-round brawl then ended in a scandalous draw, which did not suit both sides. But thanks to this outcome, the legendary trilogy of Ismailov and Mineev became possible.

Watch the live broadcast of the fight between Magomed Ismailov and Vladimir Mineev on July 20 from 22:00 (Moscow time) on the Match TV channel and from 20:00 on the Match! Fighter channel, as well as on the websites matchtv.ru and sportbox.ru.