For the past few years, a training gym in Stockholm has been the focus of attention throughout the MMA world. Famous for its intensive work methods and the champions who reside there, the Allstars Training Center enjoys a prestigious aura, which accompanies all its representatives on their outings in the cage. France’s Tamerlan Albiekov, 23, is just such a person. “Originally, I’d just come to Sweden for a two-week camp. But Khamzat Chimaev, the star of the gym, asked me to stay and train. It was partly thanks to him that I was able to fit in; he opened the door for me.” The two men’s common roots in the Caucasus are one of the reasons why they got on so well. Although he has been living in France for some fifteen years, Tamerlan Albiekov is originally from Chechnya, a small republic integrated into the Russian Federation.

“A warrior mindset”

“I arrived in France in 2007 and adapted very well,” recalls the young fighter. “I quickly learned to speak the language, passed my scientific baccalaureate and even started studying medicine! But in the end, I dropped out of university. It was difficult, and I wanted to do MMA.” Ever since he discovered mixed martial arts, after ten years of judo practice, Tamerlan Albiekov has aspired to a great career in the cage. And in addition to his fighting skills, the young man also relies on his mental strength to perform at the highest level. “Because of our difficult past, Chechens have a warrior mentality. I think that helps me a lot, and will continue to help me in the future.” Confident, but full of humility, Tamerlan Albiekov is well on the way to making a name for himself.