By Caolite de Barra
Fast-paced fights and superb spinning strikes are key things to watch out for any time Ayan Tursyn enters the cage. These have made Kazakhstan fighters a standout in the competition so far.
Tursyn has competed in IMMAF before but this competition has been her first taste of European open action, an experience she explains she is enjoying so far. The 2018 Asian Open Gold Medalist and 2019 World Silver Medalist has the traits to become a superstar and another gold medal tomorrow will burnish her reputation further.
“Yes, of course. IMMAF competitions are held at a higher level, the level of fighters is very high. Everything in Kazan is going according to plan.”
Yesterday she was on the right side of a unanimous decision victory in what was a high octane fight. This was followed by a spinning backfist highlight-reel finish today, that landed on the third attempt to send her opponent crashing to the mat.
The Kazakh fighter has been very pleased with her performances so far and is excited for tomorrow’s final but kept her thoughts on the fight to herself.
“I have nothing to say now, I am very determined, I will do everything for the sake of victory.”
Spinning techniques are not all that common but today’s spinning backfist brought back memories of Paul Felder. She explained how the shot was planned from the opening round which created a buzz but to our surprise, Tursyn admitted that she only occasionally tries the shot in training.
“Well, I practice it in training, but not often, I feel the need to use this blow more in battle.”
“I was waiting for this moment from the first round and caught her. I must have felt the buzz. Not from the fact that I knocked it out, but from the fact that I felt this moment and did not miss.”
The Kazakhstan strawweight fighter will compete in the final against Bahrain’s Aieza Ramos Bertolso in what looks certain to be a spectacular fight.
