Milan Zerjal Tells Fans To ‘Expect The Unexpected’ At WFC 17

With his father being one of BJJ’s pioneer’s in Europe, it’s safe to say that there will be plenty of eyes on Milan Zerjal on October 21st, as he makes his professional mixed martial arts debut at WFC 17: ‘Olimp Live & Fight.’ The Serbian firmly believes he is the full package and has got tools to cope in all ranges at the Hala Tivoli.

 

“When I started MMA as an amateur, I was a one-dimensional fighter,” admitted Zerjal. “I was jiu-jitsu oriented. During the last two years, little by little, I improved my wrestling, boxing and Muay Thai, and I’m still improving every day. Today, I’m a well-rounded fighter. I can wrestle, box and submit.

 

“Wherever the fight goes, I’m ready to respond to the aggressor. It’s not a secret that my strongest skill is BJJ; that is my comfort zone. The ground game is my territory, but for this fight against Arbi Mezdihov, I’m going to box, wrestle and fight on the ground.”

 

Indeed, the BJJ brown belt is respectful of the quality of his Chechnyan opponent, but is more concerned about bettering aspects of his own game, as opposed to what Mezdihov (3-1) brings to the table. He said,

 

“Arbi is a well-rounded fighter. His strongest skill is his boxing, but I’m not worried by any of his skills. During my training camp, I concentrate on myself. It’s important to know his game too, but it’s more important to me to know myself so I can use my weapons effectively.”

 

With his preparations structured by his dad, Zerjal admits the pair sometimes clash, but also that on the whole it’s a positive experience working together.

 

“I have a good relationship with my father, but we are connected as father and son as well as coach and fighter, so sometimes we don’t agree on certain things,” noted the lightweight. “I decided to be part of the MMA world, so he helps me a lot and support me during the hard times.”

 

A massively ambitious fighter, Milan benefited from some time spent training in the United States and feels this expanded his knowledge of the game.

 

“Training at Xtreme Couture with Randy Couture and all their professionals was a wonderful experience,” beamed Zerjal. “I saw the professionalism in the USA and learned a lot there. I really believe I have the potential to reach a high level with long term strategies and hard work.”

 

In the nearer future, the under-70kg battler feels his bout at WFC 17: ‘Olimp Live & Fight’ is going to be one to look out for and will be a great showcase for the fans.

 

“Expect the unexpected,” asserted Milan. “I think I’ll win by KO or submission. There will be punches, takedowns and submission attempts. It’s going to be a war. I’ve analysed my opponent and I believe he’s very strong mentally. In this fight, the mind games will make the difference between the winner and the loser. WFC fans, expect an incredible fight. This is going to be a great show and I invite people to come cheer for me.”

 

Who will win? Tell us on our Facebook page or Twitter @WFC_si.

 

Tickets for WFC 17: ‘Olimp Live & Fight’ are now on sale at eventim.si.

 

foto: Ray Kraspowicz, Tuff- n- uff