What’s next for Ramil Kamilov? “It’s Gotta Be The UFC!”

Jun 17, 2024

EDMONTON — Ramil “Mr. Real Deal” Kamilov lived up to his nickname in the Main Event of Unified 58 on Friday at the sold-out River Cree Resort & Casino in Edmonton, AB.

The 26-year-old Kazakhstan-born Calgary lightweight solidified his status as the top undefeated prospect in Canada as he improved to 8-0 with a very convincing unanimous decision victory over Tom O’Connor.

Kamilov is his own toughest critic, so he’s only partly satisfied with his performance. The goal is a knockout or a submission, so Friday’s win didn’t justify much celebration. That being said, he believes it should be enough to warrant a life-changing phone call from the UFC.

“It’s gotta be the UFC,” Kamilov says when asked what’s next for him in his fighting career.

“I’d love to be signed directly to the UFC, but I’d be really happy to fight on Dana White’s Contender Series as well. There’s still cool stuff for me to do with Unified MMA if that’s how it plays out, but I’m ready to move on.” 

While Kamilov usually opts to let his hands do the talking, he has a simple message for UFC President Dana White.

“I think I made my message on Friday night,” he says with a laugh. 

“But if I had a message for him, it would be that I’m entertaining – inside and outside the cage. I’ve got my own style going. I’m a new type of person that the UFC hasn’t seen before.” 

ABOUT UNIFIED MMA

Unified MMA is Canada’s leading mixed martial arts promotion, showcasing the country’s top-ranked fighters, LIVE on UFC Fight Pass. The organization has successfully promoted 58 events across Canada since it was founded in 2009, and has propelled several athletes to the UFC’s Octagon.