When Kairat Akhmetov is not in the gym preparing for combat, he’s most likely to be found in the great outdoors – especially at high altitudes.
The 35-year-old is deep into his training camp for Reece McLaren at ONE Fight Night 10: Johnson vs. Moraes III, but whenever the hard work is done, it’s nature that helps him decompress.
The #2-ranked flyweight MMA contender has a final push ahead for his pivotal battle at 1stBank Center in Colorado on Friday, May 5.
And after the final bell rings, he’ll be able to spend some time doing what he enjoys outside of mixed martial arts.
“The Kazakh” said:
“I love the outdoors. I like long-distance hiking in the mountains, horseback riding in the mountains, and sleeping overnight in the mountains. Being in nature is one of the key aspects of my life.”
Hailing from Kazakhstan, Akhmetov has a wealth of awe-inspiring places to visit just a stone’s throw away from home.
This means he can get his fix of the serene mountain air whenever he wants – and he urges others to try it out for themselves if they get the chance.
Akhmetov said:
“I live in Almaty in the high mountains. The mountains are 15 or 20 minutes away from my home by car. Every year, I spend my summers hiking, and we go to the mountains with my friends.
“I love my country, my city, our beautiful nature, and mountains. There is no place like home.
“I want to show my country and my city to the world. I invite everyone to come to Kazakhstan and you will be amazed by the country’s beauty and mentality. You must see it with your own eyes!”
Kairat Akhmetov: ‘Nature Makes Your Mind Healthier’
Kairat Akhmetov will feel right at home when he touches down in Denver, Colorado, to compete against #4-ranked flyweight contender Reece McLaren at ONE Fight Night 10.
While many of his peers might struggle with the high altitude, “The Kazakh’s” home in the mountains could set him up for success. And beyond his high-stakes MMA clash, he can’t wait to explore the region.
He said:
“I think I’ll be fine in Denver in terms of acclimatization, since I’m from the highlands myself.
“I want to win the fight, and then after the fight, especially if I am injury free, the first thing I want to do is go see their mountains. Denver is famous for its mountains, and I want to see this landscape with my own eyes.”
Colorado is known for the Rocky Mountains – the largest range in North America – with 78 of its 100 highest peaks found within the state’s borders.
That’s music to the ears of a mountain man like “The Kazakh,” and he’s eager to experience the benefits for both his body and soul.
Akhmetov added:
“If there’s an opportunity, I want to do a hike in the Rocky Mountains. I want to communicate with nature spiritually and mentally.
“When you are close to nature it gives you a lot of energy, it gives you strength. Fresh air is good for your health. Nature makes your mind healthier.”
