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After Bellator 262 win, Diana Avsaragova sets sights on Fedor card in Moscow: ‘It would be an honor’

Nolan King
·2 min read

UNCASVILLE, Conn. – Diana Avsaragova entered Bellator 262 the same way she exited: undefeated.

Though her three-round split decision victory Friday was over 14 minutes longer than the brutal knockout performance she put on in her promotional debut this past April, Avsaragova (4-0 MMA, 1-0 BMMA) viewed the win as a great educational experience for a young fighter.

“I really wanted to get some (in-cage experience) tonight,” Asvaragova told MMA Junkie at a post-fight news conference. ” I’m glad I went to three rounds. … Of course, everybody likes finishes. I need more in-cage time, as I said before. I do really need that experience.”

Though she was interested in talking about her performance, Avsaragova brought up the topic of her next fight on her own accord. The 22-year-old flyweight fighter made sure to call her shot of where and when she wants to fight next. Oct. 23 is circled on her calendar.

“To be honest, I don’t want to call anyone out,” Avsaragova said. “I don’t have any names on my mind but I do want to ask Bellator to give me a spot at the first Russian event that they’re going to in October. It would be such an honor for me to represent Russia back home. That’s what I’m going to ask for.”

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Atop Bellator’s debut card in Moscow is Russian legend and all-time mixed martial arts great Fedor Emelianenko, who has two fights remaining on his promotional deal. Like many young Russian fighters, Avsaragova grew up inspired by “The Last Emperor.”

“As a kid, I watched all of his fights like every other Russian prospect MMA fighter,” Avsaragova said. “It would be a real honor for me to fight on the same card (as him).”

Bellator 262 took place Friday at Mohegan Sun Arena. The main card aired on Showtime after prelims on MMA Junkie.