Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov’s next fight will take place at Bellator 277 in a light heavyweight bout against Tony Johnson, Sports Illustrated has learned.
Headlined by featherweight champion AJ McKee against Patricio Pitbull, the 277 card at the SAP Center in San Jose, Calif. also includes light heavyweight champ Vadim Nemkov against Corey Anderson in the Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix Finals. In preparation for the April 15 bout, Yagshimuradov (18-7-1) has been training–and living–at the American Top Team facility in Coconut Creek, Fla., a long way removed from home.
Born in Turkmenistan, Yagshimuradov has spent the past 12 years in Kharkov, Ukraine, building a life with his family–and providing for them as a fighter and entrepreneur. He owned and operated two businesses, a businessman with three different degrees, including a bachelor’s degree in law and economics from the Kharkiv National University of Economics. But all of his hard work has been demolished amid the ongoing situation in Ukraine.