UFC Fighters Coach: How Tynchtykbek Omurzakov Trains Athletes. Interview

Евгения Комарова Sports
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Tynchtykbek Omurzakov is a coach who has opened the way for many mixed martial arts fighters from Kyrgyzstan on the international stage. His trainees, among whom Myktybek Orolbay uulu and Uran Satybaldiev stand out, currently represent our country in the UFC. In an interview with Sport AKIpress, Omurzakov shared his experience and the story of his development as a coach.

He was born in the village of Sary-Küngöy, located in the Osh region, in the Kara-Kulzhinsky district. The village is now named after Ryspay Abdykadyrov. After graduating from the Ibraim Orozaliyev school, Tynchtykbek enrolled in the Osh Technological University, where he obtained a degree in "Finance and Credit."

Before becoming a coach in MMA, he practiced boxing. During this time, he faced numerous critical remarks from colleagues who doubted his qualifications and labeled his methods as "harsh" for athletes. After six months of working in boxing, he decided to shift his focus to mixed martial arts.

The beginning of his career in MMA was quite modest: he did not have access to his own gym, and training took place in open areas in Osh — under the bridge over the Ak-Buura River, at the city stadium, or on Sulayman-Too. To this day, Tynchtykbek does not have his own gym, but his athletes continue to train in various locations, following their mentor.

How the coach met future UFC fighter Myktybek Orolbay uulu

Tynchtykbek met Myktybek Orolbay uulu through his brothers — Zamirbek and Kuttubek Toktobaev. Kuttubek, a friend of one of the coach's trainees, spoke about his younger brother and showed a photo of Myktybek sitting on a horse. In September 2017, when Myktybek turned 19, he began training under the guidance of Omurzakov.

The coach did not immediately notice talent in Myktybek; however, his trainee Aziz Satybaldiev, who could also have become a UFC fighter, helped him with this. "He doesn't have very good technique, he doesn't know the moves, but he has excellent endurance," says Tynchtykbek, relaying Satybaldiev's words about Myktybek.

A significant role in the early career of Myktybek was played by the coach's friend Altynbek Baltagulov, who was involved in training novice fighters. Under his guidance, Orolbay uulu began his first training sessions before moving on to Tynchtykbek.

How the meeting with Uran Satybaldiev took place

Tynchtykbek met Uran Satybaldiev through Bektursun Tagaev, who trained with him. Tagaev recommended Satybaldiev since he is his brother. "He is tall and massive, interested in martial arts. Try training him; he could become a great fighter," Tynchtykbek conveyed Tagaev's words.

In 2020, Uran began training with Omurzakov. The coach immediately set a task for him — "not to cross the line," and Satybaldiev successfully managed it. Tynchtykbek felt that Uran had the potential of a light heavyweight and began to motivate him, assuring that in the future he would become a Kyrgyz hero, glorifying Kyrgyzstan.

Additionally, Tynchtykbek warned Satybaldiev about the need to avoid bad company and not to get involved with crime.

Principles of the "Uluu Kyrgyz" club: morality is more important than strength

This approach is applied by Tynchtykbek to all his athletes in the "Uluu Kyrgyz" club. He insists that fighters do not use their strength for selfish purposes: not to rob, not to seek easy money, and not to become a threat to society. The coach emphasizes that his task is to raise not only a fighter but also a person with high principles.

"I ask my trainees to only study, pray, and train. I find the tournaments where they can compete myself. Our goal is not just to make them fighters who fight, but to raise people who are useful for the country," he says.

Myktybek: choosing between the weight categories of 70 or 77 kg

In response to a question about the preferred weight category for Myktybek Orolbay uulu, Tynchtykbek said that the optimal option is welterweight (77 kg). He believes that in this category, the athlete does not exhaust the body as much and feels better. However, Myktybek insists on competing in lightweight (70 kg), which causes disagreement from the coach.

Discipline and upbringing

When asked about punishments for mistakes, Tynchtykbek replied that he tries to avoid this. He emphasizes that in the first months in the team, the main focus is not on harsh training but on instilling the right qualities.

He shares that during the first year, he "does not overload athletes either physically or psychologically," but teaches them to be responsible and not to threaten those around them. After this period, he begins to pay more attention to sports training.

Tynchtykbek also noted that his trainees do not smoke or drink, nor do they associate with criminal elements. Because of this, even those who could not build a career in sports found their place in the police, special forces, or border troops and serve Kyrgyzstan.

"My main goal is to do something useful for the state," he summarizes.

Collaboration with Team Alpha Male and Urijah Faber

Tynchtykbek also spoke about his interaction with Urijah Faber from Team Alpha Male, noting that they have no disagreements. According to him, Urijah is attentive to his recommendations and prepares Myktybek and Uran according to his fight plan. However, for the fight against Polish fighter Mateusz Rebecki, Myktybek prepared according to Team Alpha Male’s plan, but this plan did not work.

"In all other fights, he performed according to my plan and won. After such results, we do not have disputes about strategy," added Tynchtykbek.

The team's journey to the USA and the Team Alpha Male gym

The coach shared that upon arriving in the USA, they first trained in Chicago, where they were met by fellow countrymen. However, feeling stagnation in progress, Tynchtykbek decided to reach out directly to Urijah Faber.

Faber agreed to take them in but required housing and transportation, which is a necessary condition in California. Ultimately, the team contacted manager Vladislav Nikitin, who provided them with housing and a car. Tynchtykbek called Nikitin the "connecting link" who helped them get into the Team Alpha Male gym, where Myktybek immediately impressed the coaches.

Emotions during the fights of trainees in the UFC

When asked about his feelings when Uran and Myktybek step into the octagon in the UFC, Tynchtykbek noted that he does not feel nervous. Instead, he feels responsibility and focus, which allows him to quickly react to the fighters' actions in the octagon. "I have been bringing fighters to fights for many years and know what needs to be done," he added.

Showmanship and streaming service requirements

Tynchtykbek also shared his thoughts on the media side of the UFC and does not feel apprehensive about the new contract with "Paramount Plus," which demands spectacular fights. He noted that the team focuses on more impressive fights, but without trash talk: "Athletes will not insult each other for promotion." He added that all actions should take place in the octagon, and the fights should be captivating.

Invitation to Arman Tsarukyan to Kyrgyzstan

Tynchtykbek spoke about his intention to invite fighter Arman Tsarukyan to Kyrgyzstan following a public invitation from Myktybek Orolbay uulu. The coach wants to show Arman the culture and traditions of Kyrgyzstan, including the game of kok-boru. However, he noted that each fighter has their own schedule, and Tsarukyan, being ranked first in the lightweight division, is focused on his career. "When he wins the title, we will invite him again," he added.

UFC assessment from Tynchtykbek

Speaking about the UFC, Tynchtykbek described the organization as the best fighting league in the world. He noted that due to the performances of Kyrgyz fighters, the country is becoming known on the international stage. The coach also emphasized the high level of conditions provided by the UFC — from housing to medical assistance after fights.

"We are proud to represent our country through this organization," he concluded.

Dream of a UFC tournament in Kyrgyzstan

Tynchtykbek expressed hope for holding a UFC tournament at "Bishkek Arena," a stadium with a capacity of 51,000 spectators, which is expected to open this year. "It is my dream to bring the UFC to Kyrgyzstan. This will give more people the opportunity to learn about our country and develop tourism, as well as present our culture," he noted.

A long path to the UFC

Tynchtykbek emphasized that the two of his trainees ended up in the UFC not by chance — it is the result of years of hard work and collaboration. He noted that he has been striving for this since 2012-2013 and that success was not achieved instantly but through perseverance.

Future UFC stars from Kyrgyzstan

When asked about the presence of promising fighters who could debut in the UFC, Tynchtykbek answered affirmatively, noting that in every weight category, there are many talented athletes who perform successfully in other leagues. He expressed his readiness to help these fighters and their coaches to sign contracts with the UFC, adding that the doors of the "Uluu Kyrgyz" club are always open.

Gratitude to the president and head of the GKNB

In response to a question about his reaction to Myktybek Orolbay uulu's gratitude to President Sadyr Japarov and head of the GKNB Kamchybek Tashiev after the last fight, Tynchtykbek emphasized that such words of gratitude do not have a selfish undertone.

"We do not thank the leadership for our own interests. These are sincere words of gratitude for their work and contribution to the development of Kyrgyzstan. We want the country to prosper," he noted. He also added that this year the World Nomad Games will take place in Kyrgyzstan, and the team plans to invite friends from all over the world, including Urijah Faber.

Plans to build a gym

Tynchtykbek shared his intentions to build his own gym. He already has a clear idea of what it will look like inside. However, last year, the head of the GKNB Kamchybek Tashiev spoke out against MMA, which halted the realization of this plan. Tynchtykbek emphasized that his goal is to convey the true essence of MMA to Tashiev and show that this sport does not carry anything bad.

Advice for beginners

In conclusion to the interview, Tynchtykbek Omurzakov gave recommendations to young athletes who are just starting their journey in MMA. He urged them to develop themselves and compete in Olympic sports, as this will provide a good foundation for mixed martial arts.

"By competing in Olympic sports, you will be able to glorify our country on the international stage," the coach concluded.
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