Enrique Kakulov is preparing to make his amateur mixed martial arts debut against Christian Berrocal at WOW 32, marking a major transition for the Spanish combat sports standout who has spent years building a multi-discipline background in boxing and kickboxing.
The Path to Mixed Martial Arts
Kakulov enters the upcoming September 26 event with extensive combat experience, including more than 110 boxing matches, over 200 kickboxing bouts, and roughly 40 wrestling and grappling contests. His background in boxing previously carried him to the Spanish national team and the CAR center in Madrid. Despite those traditional roots, Kakulov states that mixed martial arts remained his primary long-term roadmap from childhood.
«Es un sueño desde niño», explains Kakulov regarding his transition into the sport. His early training across various contact disciplines was designed with a specific purpose: «De practicar todos los deportes para ser el peleador más completo en las MMA».
Rather than abandoning the ring for the cage, Kakulov intends to pursue two parallel paths. «Quiero llevar dos carreras profesionales, la de boxeo y la de MMA», asserts the competitor.
Building a Unique Identity
Given his Spanish nationality and striking prowess, Kakulov has drawn frequent comparisons to UFC standout Ilia Topuria. However, Kakulov rejects those parallels, emphasizing a distinct trajectory. «Ilia Topuria es Ilia Topuria. Yo soy Enrique Kakulov y mi historia va a ser diferente», he affirms, adding an immediate challenge: «Quiero que la gente vea lo que yo soy capaz de hacer».
While his confidence in his striking remains absolute, Kakulov acknowledges the complex demands of mixed martial arts. Wrestling and grappling have been integrated into his camp specifically to balance his striking repertoire. «La MMA es como todo al mismo tiempo, y tienes que andar con mil ojos», describes Kakulov.
A Short Amateur Stint and Elite Ambitions
Kakulov anticipates a brief amateur tenure before entering the professional ranks. «Mira si va a ser corta que solo va a ser este combate», notes Kakulov.
His long-term ambitions extend to the highest levels of combat sports. Beyond that championship milestone, he aims higher: «Quiero ser el número uno, libra por libra, de la UFC. Y también quiero ser campeón mundial de boxeo».
Y eso es lo que despierta en mí la llama», acknowledges the fighter.
The Debut at WOW 32
Looking ahead to his matchup with Christian Berrocal in Sevilla, Kakulov expects his opponent to test his grappling. However, he remains unimpressed by any potential striking exchanges. «Porque arriba es inútil compararse conmigo, querer batallar conmigo en el striking», states Kakulov. «Si quieren combate en el suelo, tengo para dar combate en el suelo».
Beyond securing a victory, Kakulov aims to deliver entertainment for the audience. «Lo que quiero es que la gente disfrute de los combates, quiero que vean show, espectáculo».
When asked for a specific outcome on September 26, Kakulov offers a definitive prediction: «Yo voy a dejar una predicción, que es KO en el primer asalto en el hígado».
Worth a look
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