The Russian promoter M1 has created the first stadium in the world made to host MMA fights. A milestone and in its premiere there was a Spanish Tino Gilaranz, who debuted with victory.
The glory belonged to 25-year-old Tino Gilaranz.who made his debut in professional MMA. The story of Madrileño starts 10 years earlier, when he started boxing. "I have always been very competitive and if I practice a sport I like to compete and in boxing I also did it."he admits. He added K1 to boxing a year later and at the age of 18 he got to know MMA. He tried it and "to this day," he adds with a laugh. It was clear to him that this was his path and he followed it. He mixes competition in MMA with boxing, K1 and amateur grappling. "Tverything adds up when it comes to stepping into the octagon.", he notes.
February 9 will be a day to keep in the history of Mixed Martial Arts. On that date, it was inaugurated in Saint Petersburg (Russia) the M1 Arenathe first stadium built to host MMA fights. (although it is open to other contact sports). It was created by the promoter M1, one of the most important at European level. It is first level MMA and there was a Spanish fighter there. Double historic day, since having a national fighter in such an important event was a great opportunity for us. demonstrates the growth of Mixed Martial Arts in Spain..
Tverything adds up when it comes to stepping into the octagon.
With nine amateur MMA fights, all won before the limit, Gilaranz hadn't thought about the professional field, but in sports hard work pays off. "The promoter of my last fight (Chinto Mordillo), who I won in 49 secondshas contacts in Russia and M1 asked him about a fighter for the event. When they contacted me, I didn't hesitate. I only had three weeks to prepare, but I accepted without thinking about it."The Madrid native acknowledges.
Tino Gilaranz during the official weigh-in before the fight.
With the sole sponsorship of Custom Fighters, a sports brand, Gilaranz went to Russia along with Fran Diaz (his coach in the Dokkodo team). When he got there, the reality exceeded expectations. "The stadium (for 3,000 people) was impressive, where MMA is experienced in a very different way."he admits. He had to deal with Valentin Kryzhanovsky, an experienced wrestler and current Russian Sambo champion. It was a test and it passed with flying colors. For the first time in his career, he used up all 15 minutes of the bout and won on the cards, regardless of the fact that he was the outsider.
That match has given me a plus as a fighter.
"That fight has given me a plus as a fighter. It has helped me to see where to improve. In the physical for example I have now joined Fisiooslo and Powerexplosive to improve my resistance. Besides, in Spain wrestling is not used much and there it is used a lot. It is something I have now started to train for. It was a test, without a doubt, that has allowed me to improve."he assures AS. Now, with a fight done and won he looks to the future with hope. "I beat the outsider and of course, that's good to sell. They assured me that they would call me back. With this premiere, the promotions in which he fights will be at that level and above. It's the way to keep growing," he acknowledges humbly. MMA experienced a historic day in Russia and Tino Gilaranz was one of the stars that shone the brightest. Good omen.
