Vladimir Mineev has openly shared a preference for kickboxing, revealing that his original dream was to excel on the kickboxing circuit rather than in mixed martial arts. The fighter from Russia explained that the surge in MMA popularity gradually eclipsed other martial arts, leading him to make the pivotal shift into MMA terms he later embraced.
“I never planned to be an MMA fighter. My goal was to become a professional kickboxer. But as MMA gained immense traction and began to overshadow other disciplines, I made the tough choice to switch to MMA,” Mineev has stated publicly, reflecting on a decision that shaped his career path.
In Moscow on November 18, 2022, Mineev defeated Brazilian opponent Fernando Rodriguez under kickboxing rules, a victory that marked a notable milestone in his career. Shortly after this bout, he signed a contract with the Russian Armed Forces, serving within the Northern Military District. This service has intersected with his athletic endeavors, underscoring how his athletic and national duties travel in parallel.
Prior to that milestone, Mineev had his last appearance in a major match against Magomed Ismailov at the AMC Fight Nights event on October 16, 2021. He retained his middleweight championship by delivering a knockout in the third round, reaffirming his status as a formidable competitor in the ring.
Looking ahead, Mineev was slated to face Ivan Shtyrkov on November 18, 2023, a bout that was anticipated by fans and pundits alike as a test of his evolving skills in the rapidly changing landscape of the sport.
Earlier discussions around his career included remarks about fatigue from continual competition, a candid glimpse into the pressures that come with high-level fighting. Yet the narrative of Mineev’s journey remains one of adaptability and commitment, balancing professional sport with his responsibilities outside the ring.