Ilimbek Akylbek

When and why did you start training for fighting? When I was a kid, I always dreamed of becoming a fighter and a champion.

Who is your favorite fighter and why? My favorite fighter is Valentina Shevchenko because she was the first UFC champion from Kyrgyzstan. She has inspired and motivated many athletes from Kyrgyzstan to pursue their dreams.

Do you have any heroes outside of fighting? My Parents

Specific accomplishments in pro competition? Champion Octagon league 2023 Kazakhstan, Champion AFP 2025 America Ohio

What fight do you consider to be the key fight in your career and why? The key fights in my career have been my championship fights and my fights on TUF 34. I won both of my TUF 34 fights and made it to the finale. I have been waiting for this moment for a very long time, and I'm ready to show what I can do.

Is there a cause that you want to use your platform for? I really love helping people in need and bringing happiness to others. My goal now is to become successful, earn money, and use my platform to help people who need it. I also want to support young fighters from Kyrgyzstan like me and help them achieve their dreams and reach their full potential.

Beyond a championship or money, what motivates you? Beyond championships and money, what motivates me is my family, my country, and the people who believe in me. I want to make my family proud and represent Kyrgyzstan on the biggest stage. I also want to prove to myself that I can achieve the dream I had since I was a kid. I know how hard this journey has been, and every obstacle makes me want to work even harder. I want my story to inspire young fighters from Kyrgyzstan and show them that no matter where you come from, you can reach the highest level if you believe in yourself and never give up.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? After finishing school, I got into university, but I eventually decided to leave because I needed to dedicate more time to training. I made that decision because I wanted to give everything I had to my dream of making it to the UFC. It was a big sacrifice, but I believed in my dream and was willing to take the risk. Becoming a UFC fighter has been my goal since I was a kid, and I chose to give myself a real chance to achieve it.

What was your job before you started fighting? I worked delivery jobs, drove a taxi, and worked as a mover. It was not easy to balance work and training, but I never stopped pursuing my dream. I worked to survive, and I trained because I knew where I wanted to go. Every sacrifice I made brought me one step closer to the UFC.

Favorite grappling technique: Chokes

Favorite Striking technique: Body kicks

Tell us about your life outside of fighting: I have wonderful parents whom I love very much, as well as my two sisters and my brother. My family means everything to me, and I want to make them proud.
Right now, my biggest goals are to make it to the UFC, build a successful career, and start a family of my own. I'm ready to work hard and make these dreams a reality.