Mairbek Taisumov is not be able to compete at UFC 223 due to a delay in his U.S. visa process, but the surging Russian hopes to be matched up for UFC 224.
Speaking after the news broke of his forced exit from the Brooklyn event, Taisumov said he would welcome a bout in Rio if matchmaker Sean Shelby can find him in an opponent.
“I hope to fight in Rio at UFC 224 if Sean Shelby can find me an opponent,” Taisumov told MMA Fighting.
“I think it’s a good idea for me to fight there because I feel good and I’m in shape. I really hope they can find an opponent for me.”
Although “Beckan” admits he’s frustrated with the set back in his quest to secure a U.S. visa, he has been told that he will definitely obtain the document in the future.
“They say that they need a little bit more time to get me a visa. They say they are 100 percent confident that they will get me a visa, but they need more time and they can’t make it happen before April 7th,” he explained.
“I’m angry about it. It causes a lot of problems for my career. I have told you before, if I had a visa I would fight every Saturday in the United States, instead I have to wait for events in Brazil or Europe.”