By Rumaiza Norova, OCA Youth Reporter
Nagoya, Japan, September 22, 2026: Tajikistan’s Otabek Rajabov claimed gold in the men’s Traditional MMA -65kg final at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games on Tuesday, defeating the Philippines’ Jean Claude Saclag 3-0 at Nagoya City Inae Sports Center.
Much of the two-round final unfolded on the ground. Rajabov repeatedly brought Saclag down and controlled long stretches of the contest,
although the Filipino continued to challenge him in the exchanges.
That was not, however, how Rajabov had originally expected the fight to unfold. He said his initial strategy had to be abandoned once the contest began, forcing him to adapt in real time.
“The original plan was different,” Rajabov said. “But good athletes are those who can adapt during the fight, change things and improvise.
"Plan A didn’t work. We had plan B, C and so on. In any case, we had to take this medal and win the final.”
Rajabov said he believed he remained in control through both rounds, despite taking one significant strike. By the end, the judges awarded
him a 3-0 victory and another MMA gold for Tajikistan in the sport’s first appearance at the Asian Games.
He said his first responsibility had been making the weight and not letting down his team or the Tajik national side. Before the final, Rajabov recalled telling his teammates that, regardless of exhaustion
or injury, he intended to leave everything on the mat until his hand was raised.
Afterwards, the fatigue quickly gave way to relief. “I feel
excellent,” he said. “I’m very tired, but the joy is overwhelming. I don’t even feel the tiredness anymore.”
Rajabov dedicated the medal to his parents and family, whom he described as his biggest supporters throughout the difficult preparation. “Now you can relax,” he said, addressing them. “Your son
has won the gold medal. Everything I do is for my family, so they can be happy for me.”